This week, I met with a senior Home Office official to raise my profound concerns about the Government’s asylum dispersal accommodation policy, under which asylum seekers are being relocated into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within residential communities.
I expressed my strong frustration and objection at the lack of transparency and meaningful engagement with elected representatives and local residents regarding these proposals.
I also welcomed the invitation to meet with the service delivery team to provide insight into why certain locations within my constituency are unsuitable for this type of accommodation.
It remains essential that the Government takes urgent action to accelerate the processing of asylum claims and to prevent dangerous small boat crossings.
I have also requested a meeting with the newly appointed Minister for Border Security and Asylum as soon as Parliament returns from the summer recess. At that meeting, I will present a petition organised by Cllr Andrew Kennedy, which has been signed by more than 2,000 local residents.
