Labour sorry after opening more asylum seeker hotels

THE border security minister has apologised after Labour opened more asylum seeker hotels without warning - despite promising to close them.

- By Jonathan Walker

Dame Angela Eagle could not say when the accommodation would return to normal use, despite concern local economies were suffering and residents were being harassed.

The Minister for Border Security and Asylum could only say "I hope" more hotels would not be commandeered to house claimants.

The number being used is up six since the election to 220.

They are housing 35,651 asylum seekers - 6,000 more since Labour’s victory - with a taxpayer bill of £5.4million a day.

Amnesty

The party promised in its manifesto last year: "We will hire additional caseworkers to clear the Conservatives' backlog and end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds."