Locally, my inbox over the past week was dominated with
correspondence around the continued use of the Beresford Hotel in Newquay to
house asylum seekers while their applications are being processed.
The housing of asylum seekers while they are awaiting the
outcome of their application is an international and national issue and it is
right that Cornwall plays its part. However, I would like to make it clear that
the Home Office did not impose the current use of the Beresford Hotel on it.
This was something that the owners of the Beresford Hotel decided, to use their
hotel in this way.
Last week a number of constituents contacted me regarding
concerns about the alleged relocation of the asylum seekers staying at the
Beresford Hotel to accommodation in St Columb Minor.
The Head of Asylum Support at the Home Office, with whom I have
regular calls to receive updates on the Newquay situation, was immediately made
aware of the concerns of local people, and in turn made it very clear that
there is absolutely no truth to these rumours.
I have also been assured that the Beresford Hotel remains
very much a temporary measure and that every effort is being made to move the
asylum seekers on to more suitable accommodation elsewhere – which would almost
certainly be out of Cornwall. I trust this reassures people that the rumours
regarding the housing of asylum seekers in St Columb Minor are false, and that
once again, it is unwise to believe everything you read on social media.
I am also aware that concerns have been raised about the
alleged behaviour of some asylum seekers. Obviously if local people are being
made to feel vulnerable and unsafe this is unacceptable. I have been in touch
with local Police to ensure that these issues are being addressed in the
appropriate way. It is important that
any inappropriate behaviour is raised with the right authority. If criminal
acts are witnessed, then these should be reported to the police. Other concerns
should be raised with the refugee support team at Cornwall Council via refugeehelp@cormwall.gov.uk
Alongside these issues, it also became apparent that some
people have been planning a protest, and a counter-protest, around the
continuing use of the Beresford Hotel in its current role.
I have been in contact with Newquay Town Council, local
councillors, the Head of Asylum at the Home Office about this, as concerns
about the safety of the asylum seekers and of disruption to the town centre
have been expressed. I have been assured that senior officials at the Home
Office as well as Newquay Police have been made aware and are taking action
before, during and after the protest itself to maintain order and ensure it
remains peaceful.
Whilst I accept some local residents do have legitimate
concerns, I do not condone any form of racism or xenophobia. I note that
decisive action is being taken by the Government to tackle the issue of illegal
immigration while allowing us to show compassion to those in genuine need of
asylum and I continue to support these measures being introduced in Parliament.
I appreciate that local people wish to express their views
on a matter that is clearly of considerable importance to a number of residents
in Newquay, Whilst it is of course right that people are allowed to express
their views within the bounds of the law, I would also suggest that this may
not always be the most helpful way to address those concerns. We must avoid the
escalations of these matters in such a way that it stirs up hatred and
divisions.
Of course, as your local Member of Parliament, my door
remains open and I will continue to raise all concerns brought to me with the
relevant authorities whilst continuing to work with the Home Office to ensure
the asylum seekers housed in the hotel are moved on as soon as possible.
If you require my assistance on any matter please get in
touch with my office by calling 01726 829379 or email office@stevedouble.org.uk
