MP Expresses Strong Opposition to Asylum Seeker Accommodation Plan in Constituency Hotel

A Member of Parliament has voiced “strong” objections to proposals for a hotel within his electoral district to serve as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, stating it is neither “safe nor appropriate.” Chris Curtis, the Labour Member of Parliament representing Milton Keynes North, stated that both he and the Milton Keynes City Council received notification from the Home Office regarding an “urgent need” to establish a facility in Newport Pagnell. Peter Marland, the Labour leader of the council, confirmed that the local authority had also communicated its concerns to the Home Office regarding the undisclosed hotel’s geographical placement. A spokesperson for the Home Office indicated that the government is dedicated to ceasing the practice of housing asylum seekers in hotels, but acknowledged that it had inherited an asylum system experiencing “unprecedented strain.” Mr. Curtis mentioned he was informed that the hotel’s usage would span approximately three months, necessitated by a backlog in the processing of asylum applications. In a statement published on Facebook, the MP declared: “Both the council and I have objected strongly to this plan, as we believe the site is neither safe nor appropriate for this purpose.” He further noted that he had previously opposed a proposal to utilize the same location in 2023 and had communicated his objections both verbally and in writing to the pertinent minister. He affirmed, “Whatever the decision “I am confident that our town and city will remain welcoming and supportive”.” Mr. Curtis also stated that support would be extended to those accommodated, with a focus on prioritising “everyone’s wellbeing.” He added, “I have also asked the Home Office to put in place transportation, given the inconvenient location of the site.” He concluded by saying, “This situation highlights why it’s crucial to end the reliance on hotels for asylum accommodation, accelerate the processing of asylum claims, and dismantle the criminal gangs fuelling the small boats crisis.” Mr. Marland, who serves as the representative for the Wolverton ward, commented: “The council has raised concerns with the Home Office over the use of this specific hotel due to its location, and we will continue working with our Member of Parliament on the subject.” A Home Office spokesperson stated: “This government inherited an asylum system under unprecedented strain, with thousands stuck in a backlog without their claims processed.” “We have taken immediate action to restart asylum processing which will save an estimated £7 billion for the tax payer over the next ten years, and are delivering a major uplift in returns to remove people with no right to be in the UK.” “Over the long term this will reduce our reliance on hotels and costs of accommodation.” “We remain absolutely committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers and continue to identify a range of accommodation options to minimise their use.”