Epping hotel can continue to house asylum seekers, high court rules | Immigration and asylum

Asylum seekers can continue to stay at a hotel in Essex, which became a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests in the summer, the high court has ruled.

Lawyers for the local district council had sought a permanent injunction in the high court against the current use of the Bell hotel in Epping, arguing it was a “nurturing ground for unrest and protest”.

While the application was opposed by property owner Somani Hotels, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also intervened in the case, arguing that the closure of asylum hotels should be “structured” and gradual.

More details coming soon …