Spelthorne Council Urges Home Office to Halt Asylum Hotel Plans

The leader of **Spelthorne Borough Council**, **Cllr Joanne Sexton**, has renewed her appeal to the **Home Office**, urging the government to abandon plans to use the **Stanwell Hotel** exclusively for single male asylum seekers. This plea follows a wave of community protests and concerns about the implications of such a decision.

On **August 1, 2025**, the Home Office announced a temporary pause on the controversial scheme. Despite this pause, Cllr Sexton expressed that the issue remains unresolved, potentially leading to “further escalation within the community.” In her latest correspondence, addressed to the **Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum**, she highlighted the growing anxiety among residents regarding the impact on **Stanwell Village**.

The urgency of Cllr Sexton’s message comes after a significant protest on **July 31**, where hundreds gathered outside the hotel near **Heathrow Airport**. Demonstrators displayed signs reading “Just say no,” indicating widespread opposition to the government’s plans. The protests resulted in two arrests: one for attempted arson and another for conspiracy to commit violent disorder and aggravated trespass.

Local MP for **Spelthorne**, **Lincoln Jupp**, joined the council’s leadership in expressing disappointment over the situation. He also called on the Home Office to engage more meaningfully with the community. Cllr Sexton has since requested a meeting with both the Labour Group leader, **Cllr Jon Button**, and Home Office representatives to discuss the community’s concerns directly.

In her initial letter dated **July 25**, Cllr Sexton warned that the Home Office’s decision could create “alarm” and disrupt months of community integration efforts. She criticized the lack of consultation with local officials and residents, stating that the decision was inappropriate for the area.

A spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “The government is reducing expensive hotel use as part of a complete overhaul of the asylum system.” The spokesperson noted that the number of asylum hotels had decreased from over **400** in summer **2023** to fewer than **210** currently. The government aims to eliminate hotel use entirely by the end of the current Parliament. They emphasized their commitment to working closely with local communities to address any concerns and ensure public safety.

As the situation develops, the **Spelthorne Borough Council** continues to advocate for the needs and voices of its residents, highlighting the challenges and sensitivities surrounding asylum accommodation.