Peterborough MP Paul Bristow has renewed his attack on the Great Northern hotel in the city for being used to house up to 80 asylum seekers.
The 41-bedroom hotel opened its doors to the asylum seekers last November after the hotel owners agreed a contract with the Home Office.
Mr Bristow quizzed Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick in the House of Commons about a timeline for returning the hotel back to everyday use.
“I have recently written to the minister about the Great Northern hotel in my constituency, which is being stood up to accommodate migrants who have crossed the channel on small boats,” said Mr Bristow.
“I asked him if he would give a timeframe for when the hotel will be stood down.
“I do not expect him to give me that timeframe from the Dispatch Box today, but can he at least guarantee that when he responds in writing, there will be a timeframe so that we can give certainty to the police, support services and the people of Peterborough?”
Mr Jenrick replied: “The Great Northern hotel in Peterborough is ingrained in my mind as a result of my hon. Friend’s assiduous lobbying.
“That is quite right, because we share his frustration; we want to see such hotels returned to use by the local community and for the benefit of the economy.
“I will write back to him to set out our plans—as far as I can at this stage. I know that he will support us in all our efforts to stop the boats.”
In a column in a local newspaper, Mr Bristow continued his offensive.
People smuggling gangs – criminals – are cashing in on human misery and our generosity.
They are literally risking lives in the busiest waterway in the world for profit. No matter what Labour MPs and left-wing lawyers say – this has to stop. https://t.co/qGhs5OvAB6
— Paul Bristow (@paulbristow79) February 13, 2023
“Using hotels is not fair on UK taxpayers who are currently paying around £5.5 million – every day, he wrote.
“I am determined to get this situation in Peterborough resolved as soon as possible.
“It has been four months since the hotel was stood up as a hostel for migrants.
“I welcome recent Government plans to move people out of hotels into more suitable accommodation.”
The MP explained that former student halls, surplus military sites, and existing asylum seeker accommodation are being considered.
When asylum seekers have arrived at the 3-star Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough, they were greeted – online and on TV – by a barrage of criticism from Mr Bristow.
In his bid to stop the hotel being used by government appointed contractor Serco to commodore scores of hotels across the country, he launched a survey to win support.
“But predictably – Labour, Lib Dems and Greens accuse me of spreading racial hatred, xenophobia, and divisive rhetoric,” he said.
“What do you think? Do you agree with me?”
Mr Bristow added: “This is a historic, city-centre hotel that should be driving force in Peterborough’s economy. It’s the wrong choice.
“Accommodating claimants shouldn’t invoke marble bathrooms. These individuals are also at high risk of criminal exploitation, which is impossible to monitor in this central location.
“I oppose this decision and will do everything I can to do ensure the Great Northern is back to being a normal hotel as soon as possible.”
