MP urges community to 'share facts, not assumptions' after Warwick asylum seeker hotel meeting

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The MP for Warwick and Leamington is urging the community to 'share facts, not assumptions' after having a meeting with the management at the Warwick hotel being used to house people seeking asylum.

On Saturday (November 23), Matt Western MP met with the management team at the Delta Hotel off Stratford Road which is housing people seeking asylum following widespread discussion regarding the use of the hotel for this purpose.

The visit followed a statement Mr Western issued last Thursday (November 21), addressing some concerns raised by local residents.

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The MP confirmed that the hotel was being used to address “the massive backlog in asylum cases that had been inherited by the new Government” which rose to a record high of more than 175,000 people.

Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western. Photo suppliedWarwick and Leamington MP Matt Western. Photo supplied
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western. Photo supplied

At his meeting with the hotel management, Matt Western said the staff on site were “very professional” and explained how the site is working as part of a Government process to “handle legitimate asylum seekers from bogus applications”.

He confirmed that health checks and testing are undertaken prior to people arriving at hotels used for this purpose and that biometrics are also taken on first arrival.

Mr Western said: “I appreciate there has been some discussions in the past couple of weeks regarding the use of a hotel in Warwick to house people seeking asylum.

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“To begin with, I agree that hotels are not a long-term solution to house people seeking asylum, but they are currently necessary as we get to grips with the asylum backlog.

"The new Government have committed to ending the use of hotels for this purpose, but this cannot happen overnight.

“The backlog means that we are spending significant sums of money while people wait to get a decision on if they can stay in the UK or not.

"Eligible asylum seekers get stuck in limbo, unable to create a life for themselves and contribute to our country as so many want to, while they await a decision.

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“I have always been proud of the people of Warwick and Leamington, Whitnash and villages for their compassion, their tolerance and their support for others.

“I know some have been disappointed by the lack of notice given to residents on this hotel being used for this purpose.

"This is standard procedure, and Warwick has not been singled out.

"I do not have a say in such matters but have expressed to the Home Office the upset this has caused among some locally.

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“Over the weekend and last week, I have had several conversations with Warwickshire Police, councillors, the Home Office and other relevant stakeholders to address any concerns.

"I will continue to ensure that I am sharing up to date and correct information.

“It is imperative that we all endeavour to share the facts, not assumptions which do little to address any community tensions, often only serving to heighten them.

"If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to raise them with me, and if appropriate, I will raise with the relevant authorities.”

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