British Government Appeals Hotel Asylum Ruling Amid Growing Protests

The British government plans to appeal a court ruling to remove asylum seekers from a hotel amid ongoing protests. The Bell Hotel in Epping has been the site of demonstrations after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault. Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to end the practice of housing migrants in hotels.

The British government is set to challenge a court decision mandating the relocation of asylum seekers residing in a hotel that has become central to anti-immigration protests, Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced on Friday. The Bell Hotel in Epping has witnessed significant protests after an Ethiopian asylum seeker was recently charged with sexual assault, allegations which he denies.

Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour leadership, the government is committed to terminating the expensive accommodation of asylum seekers in hotels across the country, but intends to implement the change gradually. Epping council successfully pursued legal measures to remove asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel, prompting other local councils to contemplate similar actions, thus challenging the government's obligation to provide housing.

"All asylum hotels will be closed during this parliamentary term," Jarvis stated, emphasizing the need for an organized transition as the government appeals the court's ruling. Recent weeks have seen hundreds protest outside the Bell Hotel, with 16 facing charges following alleged criminal disruptions. Comparable protests have been staged at other locations accommodating migrants.

Starmer has faced political pressure for his immigration approach, amid reports indicating a surge in asylum claims and an increase in migrants being housed in hotels. Immigration concerns have now eclipsed economic issues as the primary focus for the British public, based on multiple voter concern surveys.

(With inputs from agencies.)