Hotel targeted by rioters to cease housing asylum seekers

The government has confirmed that a hotel, previously used to accommodate asylum seekers and targeted by rioters, will no longer function as migrant accommodation. The Home Office announced its decision to terminate its contract with the Holiday Inn at Manvers, Rotherham. This action follows the disorder in August, which resulted in injuries to more than 50 police officers. Rotherham Council leader Chris Read described the decision as the “right decision,” stating that the site had experienced “horrendous and inhuman violence” during the riots. More than 60 men have been jailed to date for their involvement in the disorder outside the hotel. On 4 August, a mob laid siege to the hotel, setting fire to bins and hurling debris at police officers. In addition to officers being assaulted, police horses and dogs sustained injuries, and courts heard that the asylum seekers had feared for their lives. Defence Secretary John Healey, who is also the MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, had opposed the use of the hotel since asylum seekers were first moved there in 2022. He commented, “I appreciate this has been a difficult period for people locally and I hope this latest announcement removes some uncertainty about the future.” Read stated that the hotel had been “the wrong place to put people for long periods of time – many of whom were literally fleeing for their lives”. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he further remarked that the riots had “brought shame on our community.” He added, “In making this decision the government has thankfully recognised the problems with the hotel, and given assurance to neighbouring residents who have understandably been concerned that such trouble might be repeated again in the future.”