Jenrick will warn areas before hotels filled with migrants

ASYLUM seekers will not be foisted on hotels in communities without warning, Robert Jenrick vowed yesterday after a backlash from angry Tory MPS.

Scores of MPS raised concerns with the immigration minister during the debate on the Manston asylum crisis about migrants dispersed from the processing centre in Kent to hotels in their constituencies with as little as 24 hours’ notice and without consultation.

More than 2,400 have been moved out of Manston since last weekend but MPS warned that many of the hotels were unsuitable, adjacent to schools, or in tourist hotspots without the social, educational or health infrastructure to cope with the sudden influx.

Mr Jenrick said he had told Home Office officials that “as a matter of course” MPS and local councils should be informed of asylum seekers being moved into hotels in their constituencies and engaged in the process “so we can better understand the specific issues and support needed”.

“It isn’t right that MPS and councils find out via social media or third hand. I intend to bring that to an end,” he said.

The number of migrants at Manston had risen to 4,100, leading to the potential unlawful detention of asylum seekers who are supposed to be processed within 24 hours. Mr Jenrick said the number had been reduced to 1,600.