"I am deeply concerned that an operating hotel in Ilfracombe has offered its facilities to the Home Office to house asylum seekers.
Whilst I fully appreciate the need to look after those who are waiting for asylum cases to be heard, I believe very strongly it should be in a facility within a larger town, so it does not put further strains into an already remote, coastal community where healthcare provisions are already stretched.
On hearing of the situation, I contacted the minister and met with the Home Office virtually on Friday afternoon. I was assured that a decision had not been taken to use the hotel, and that the hotels offer would be reviewed. I am concerned that a decision appears to have been taken and I will continue to press the Home Office for a reversal of this decision and to protect other remote coastal communities.”
Selaine Saxby MP