Responding to the Appeal Court ruling on the Bell Hotel in Epping, Green MP Ellie Chowns said: 

“This court case is a distraction from the need to sort out the terrible legacy of 14 years of Conservative government misrule and Labour’s failure to come up with workable, humane solutions. 

“It is inhumane, as well as costly to UK tax payers, for people seeking asylum to have to wait years for a decision and be housed in temporary accommodation like hostels and hotels. 

“People have the right to claim asylum, and we all have the right to expect the government to run a fast and fair process to assess applications. 

 “The UK government quite rightly created safe and managed routes for people fleeing Ukraine. They need to offer the same to others seeking safety from similarly dangerous situations.   

“It can be done, if the political will and leadership is there. 

“People seeking asylum and protection must be allowed to work while their application is being decided. That’s the way to get them out of hotels and able to look after themselves and contributing to local communities.”