Court of Appeal Allows Asylum Seekers to Remain in Epping Hotel Despite Local Opposition

The Court of Appeal overturned a High Court injunction that ordered the Bell Hotel in Epping to be cleared of asylum seekers, allowing them to remain despite local council objections and public protests. This ruling has sparked backlash from local politicians and councillors, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who argue that the rights of asylum seekers are being prioritized over those of local residents and communities. Dudley Council's leader, Patrick Harley, criticized the decision as a product of a 'woke judiciary' and pledged to continue seeking legal means to prevent asylum hotels in his borough. The ruling was delivered by Lord Justice David Bean, a long-standing Labour supporter and former chair of the Fabian Society, while the original High Court decision had been made by Sir Stephen Eyre, a former Conservative parliamentary candidate. The political affiliations of the judges involved have become a focal point in public discourse, with critics suggesting political bias influenced the ruling. Ministers warned the initial injunction could have caused chaos, with fears that forcing asylum seekers out of hotels nationwide would lead to many living destitute on the streets.