UK Court Ruling Allows Asylum Seekers to Stay at Epping Hotel After Government Appeal

A UK court has ruled that asylum seekers can remain at a hotel in Epping, Essex, after the government successfully won an appeal.

Nearly 140 men staying at the Bell Hotel were initially ordered to leave by mid-September, following a previous court decision. However, senior judges overturned that ruling, strongly criticising the earlier judgment.

The Home Office argued that removing the men would destabilise the asylum accommodation system, noting that the government still intends to phase out the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the end of this Parliament.

While the ruling is seen as a relief for the government, Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch labelled it “a setback,” insisting that “asylum hotels are a choice.”

The case has sparked controversy and protests in recent weeks, particularly after a migrant staying at the Bell Hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl — an allegation which he denies.

A full hearing is scheduled for mid-October, where the council could still pursue another injunction.