The MP for Great Yarmouth has questioned the government over its policy of housing asylum seekers in hotels in the town.

Brandon Lewis, who is now a backbench MP, asked the home secretary Suella Braverman if she would look at the issue.

The Hotel Victoria is housing 80 asylum seekers, while Great Yarmouth Borough Council has taken action to prevent the Embassy Hotel housing asylum seekers as well.
Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Hotel Victoria by Great Yarmouth's seafrontThe Hotel Victoria by Great Yarmouth's seafront (Image: Archant)

In parliament, Mr Lewis asked whether the home secretary would "make an assessment with cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of using hotels to house asylum seekers in Great Yarmouth constituency on the tourism sector in that constituency".

He asked a further question that asked if the home secretary "will make an assessment of the potential impact of using multiple hotels within close proximity to each other to house asylum seekers on local communities".

In reply the immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, said the use of hotels was only "short term" and the government would like to work with the borough council to address the concerns raised.

Mr Jenrick added: "The Home Office has a statutory obligation to provide accommodation and other support to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute while their application for asylum is being considered.

"The significant increase in dangerous journeys across the Channel is placing unprecedented strain on our asylum system and has made it necessary to continue to use hotels to accommodate some asylum seekers.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Immigration minister Robert JenrickImmigration minister Robert Jenrick (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

"Community cohesion is an important aspect of using sites successfully, and we would like to work with the council and relevant stakeholders to understand and act to your concerns as appropriate.

"I would advise that the next multi-agency meeting is used to raise these concerns, and we can understand how to work collaboratively in managing this situation."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council had issued a temporary stop order to The Hotel Victoria, which houses 80 male asylum seekers.

With that order now expired, the council is considering further enforcement action. 

Under planning legislation, the council sought an injunction to stop the Embassy Hotel from housing asylum seekers. A decision is due later this month.