A number of residents have contacted me about asylum seekers who are temporarily housed within Cannock Chase.
Residents have raised a number of concerns including the cost of using hotel accommodation, reports of anti-social and criminal behaviour and the impact on the local economy.
I want to assure you that I have been regularly liaising with my Ministerial colleagues within the Home Office, local authorities and Cannock Police to relay residents’ concerns. I would like to thank our policing team who have responded swiftly to issues as they have arisen.
That said, I am also aware that many unfounded stories circulating on social media and I am deeply concerned about the rising community tensions, which saw protests take place in Cannock on Saturday.
The UK has found itself in a situation where it was accommodating a much larger number of asylum seekers than was the case previously. This was due to criminal smuggling gangs exploiting desperate individuals and putting their lives at risk as they cross the channel.
The use of hotels is a contingency measure, in order to meet our statutory legal obligation to house asylum seekers whilst their claim is considered. The Government is taking steps to end the use of hotels and ensure that asylum seekers don’t cross the channel in the first place.
The UK does have a proud history of supporting those in need of protection, however we cannot tolerate people coming here illegally.
Ministers have strengthened the law, through the Nationality and Borders Act, so that those who travel through safe countries to reach the UK or have a connection to a safe country where they could have claimed asylum may be considered inadmissible to the UK’s asylum system.
I welcome that the Prime Minister has also announced that the Government will introduce new legislation to make it clear that if someone has entered the UK illegally, they should not be able to remain - but should be swiftly detained and removed.
I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Immigration Minister to further highlight the various concerns raised by residents and relay my frustrations about a lack of consultation with myself and all the relevant local authorities and organisations regarding the use of hotels in Cannock Chase.
Finally, I want to add that we should treat all visitors to Cannock Chase with respect and compassion. Individuals that seek asylum in the UK may have been feeling war, persecution, violence or other life threatening situations.
It is important that, as for any experiences of crime or anti-social behaviour, this is reported to the police who will deal with it properly and robustly. Similarly, they will take action against anyone makes inflammatory comments on social media or partakes in or incites vigilante action.
As always, if you require my help with anything, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone on 01543 877142.
