MP writes to constituents over asylum hotel plans

An MP and shadow cabinet member has written to residents over plans to house asylum seekers in a hotel in his constituency.

Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Daventry and shadow culture secretary, wrote to residents in Crick in Northamptonshire on the issue.

In his letter, he said he had already spoken to the government and expressed the "anger" he shared with constituents "at the complete lack of notice and the unsuitability of this venue".

The Home Office has been contacted for comment, but has previously said the government was committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers, but had inherited a system under "unprecedented strain".

In November, the MP wrote to the Home Office citing "frustration" with the lack of notice at housing asylum seekers in the same hotel.

In a statement sent to the BBC, Mr Andrew said there had been "past issues" with housing asylum seekers in the hotel, but that he had been assured improvements had been made.

"However, reports I have received recently suggest that this is not the case," he said.

"Additionally, measures implemented [by the Home Office] to address concerns, such as providing daily transportation for those accommodated at the hotel to access amenities, appear to be ineffective or not being implemented as intended."

He said he had raised reports from constituents with the Home Office and was awaiting a response.

"I would like to assure my constituents that I am committed to addressing these issues and will continue to advocate for our community's needs," he added.

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