ASYLUM HOTEL CLOSURE IS 'A VICTORY FOR THE MUMS'

Tory leader backs injunction on housing migrants after campaign by Epping parents

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

THE future of more than 200 hotels housing asylum seekers has been thrown into doubt after a landmark court ruling hailed as “a victory for the mums and dads”.

Judges granted Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction to stop migrants being housed at the Bell Hotel. It follows weeks of protests outside after a resident was charged with sexually assaulting a schoolgirl.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called the ban a “victory for the mums and dads I spoke to in Epping who just want their children to be safe” and locals celebrated the ruling, left.

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage declared it should act as an “inspiration across the country”.

The High Court move may open the floodgates for similar campaigns to close other hotels.

Mrs Badenoch said: “Putting a hotel full of young male illegal immigrants in the middle of a community like Epping was always going to lead to issues. They need to be moved out of the area immediately.

“But Epping is just one of many towns struggling with these asylum hotels.”

Mrs Badenoch added: “Labour have no solution, they’re not smashing any gangs and small boat arrivals are at record highs.

“I do have a plan — bring back a proper deterrent and remove all illegal arrivals immediately so towns like Epping never have to deal with this again.”

Mr Farage said: “This is a victory for the parents and concerned residents of Epping. They do not want their young women being assaulted on the streets. This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far-right, and have won. They represent the vast majority of decent people.