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An appeal was made to the Court of Appeal regarding an injunction that temporarily blocked asylum seekers from being housed at a hotel in Essex. The Court heard arguments from lawyers representing the Home Office and The Bell Hotel in Epping, challenging a previous High Court ruling that prevented migrants from residing at the venue. Following legal action by Epping Forest District Council, Mr Justice Eyre had ordered the removal of all 138 asylum seekers from the hotel by a specified deadline.
During a day-long appeal hearing, barristers highlighted the potentially damaging effects of setting a precedent through this case, given its high-profile nature. The asylum accommodation program faced uncertainty due to the injunction, raising concerns about the future housing of asylum seekers. Moreover, other councils expressed intentions to seek similar injunctions against the use of hotels in their areas, following Epping’s successful argument that the hotel’s use violated planning regulations.
Piers Riley-Smith, representing Somani Hotels, which owns The Bell Hotel, emphasized the risk of establishing a precedent with the injunction. He pointed out the potential loss of accommodation for asylum seekers and its impact on the Home Office’s obligations towards them. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the asylum seekers if the judge’s decision was not overturned was a significant concern raised during the proceedings. The implications of this case were further amplified by the potential for increased disorderly protests at other asylum accommodations.
The legal battle over the use of The Bell Hotel as asylum seeker accommodation began before a judgement was made by Mr Justice Eyre in August. Despite a late attempt by the home secretary to have the case dismissed, the judge proceeded with the proceedings. However, arguments in court on Thursday highlighted the perceived unfairness in denying participation to the home secretary, claiming her rights were affected. The ongoing dispute reflected the complex issues surrounding asylum accommodation and the challenges faced by authorities in addressing public concerns and legal obligations
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