“Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me over the course of the week regarding this sensitive issue.”
“I have spent the week meeting with Home Office officials and the Home Office Ministerial team to provide local feedback and better understand the situation.”
The Home Office have stated that the accommodation in Newquay is intended to be a short term transition while longer term accommodation is secured. Once the Home Office have secured alternative accommodation those accommodated in Newquay will be moved. The intention is that this will be in a matter of weeks, however clearly there are a number of factors that will determine if this is achievable.”
“The asylum seekers who are currently staying at the hotel have already been through the initial stage of their application process, to establish their right to claim asylum and have been through security screening.”
“Since returning from Parliament this week I have also visited the hotel, along with representatives of Cornwall Council, Newquay Town Council and local church leaders.”
“During my visit I saw and spoke with both asylum seekers and staff on site and was reassured that appropriate measures are in place to care for and supervise them while they are staying there while also recognising the status of the people in the hotel.”
“I will continue to work with all agencies and provide updates as and when they become available and have booked regular meetings with Home Office management for this purpose.”