Read Leo's statement below:
I am strongly opposed to the Home Office’s plan to place asylum seekers in the Pinehurst Hill Side building in Farnborough. While it is right that the Home Office seeks to end the use of costly hotels to temporarily hold asylum seekers while their cases are processed, I am firmly of the view that this building is not an appropriate choice and I continue to do all I can – including making direct representations to the Home Secretary - to oppose it.
I, in concert with the Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, have lobbied the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister repeatedly in recent weeks. We have made clear our strong and ongoing opposition, highlighting the inappropriate choice of location and type of accommodation, as well as other factors which I believe make it entirely unsuitable. In my view, the Home Office has not provided satisfactory responses to these representations and has not adequately justified its decision. I am extremely disappointed by this and remain entirely opposed.
Unfortunately, neither I nor the Council have the power to prevent the Home Office from proceeding with their plan. However, I will continue to work with Rushmoor Borough Council to press the Home Office to reduce the number of asylum seekers placed in our area and I am also pushing to see the end of the use of Potters International Hotel in Aldershot as asylum accommodation as soon as possible.
- Leo Docherty MP
Member of Parliament for Aldershot
UPDATE: I am running a survey asking for residents' views on this plan, the results of which I will share with Home Office Ministers - you can access the survey here: www.leodocherty.org.uk/survey-asylum-accommodation-farnborough
