A sensible asylum policy for Stafford

Theo Clarke outside the Home Office

 

I continue to oppose the housing of asylum seekers at Beaconside. Whilst I support those legitimately claiming asylum, I cannot support - and will not support - large numbers of asylum seekers being housed in inappropriate locations, such as Beaconside and some local hotels. It risks overcrowding, overwhelming public services, and has rightly concerned local residents.

I raised this issue on multiple occasions in Parliament, brought Ministers to Stafford to see the problem for themselves, and met with the Home Secretary to raise my concerns directly. I also formally requested that Stafford Borough Council launch a judicial review to challenge this decision. I was very disappointed that the Labour run Borough Council refused to do so.

I am pleased that all asylum seekers have been moved away from the Bridgewood House Hotel and Hatherton House Hotel. If re-elected, I will continue to oppose the plans to house asylum seekers in Beaconside's Stafford Court and will generally oppose any plans to use inappropriate facilities and locations for such a purpose.

News

Hatherton House Hotel to no longer house asylum seekers

I have received written confirmation that from today, no asylum seekers will be held in the Hatherton House Hotel. This is a successful culmination of my campaign to ensure Stafford does not hold an excessive number of asylum seekers.

Bridgewood House Hotel to no longer house asylum seekers

I have received written confirmation that from today, no asylum seekers will be held in the Bridgewood House Hotel. This is a successful culmination of my campaign to ensure Stafford does not hold an excessive number of asylum seekers.

PETITION: Stop the use of Hotels to House Asylum Seekers

Dear Resident, You will no doubt we aware of the continued use of hotels to house asylum seekers in Staffordshire and across the country. As your local Member of Parliament, I have been clear with the Home Office that these arrangements are unacceptable and must end as soon as possible.

Theo Clarke MP strongly objects Home Office's plans for Beaconside

Stafford MP Theo Clarke has again lodged her objections to asylum seekers being housed at Beaconside ahead of a planning appeal by Serco this week.Ms Clarke met with the Home Office’s Asylum Engagement Team where it was put on record her “formal opposition in the strongest terms to the proposed site

Theo Clarke MP meets Home Secretary over Beaconside

Stafford MP Theo Clarke has met with the Home Secretary to express her concerns over proposals to house 500 asylum seekers at Beaconside. Mrs Clarke asked the Prime Minister for the meeting with Suella Braverman as local people continue to oppose the appeal by Serco to use the former student accomm

Theo Clarke MP brings Cabinet Minister to Beaconside to express opposition

Theo Clarke and the Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt have visited Beaconside as the Stafford MP continues her opposition to its use as accommodation for asylum seekers. Theo showed the cabinet minister the building and area on Friday and told her about local people’s concerns that hous

Theo Clarke MP raises Beaconside at PMQs

Stafford MP Theo Clarke will meet with the Home Secretary to discuss plans to house asylum seekers at Beaconside after raising the issue in Prime Minister’s Questions on her first week back from maternity leave. Serco has appealed against a decision by the council refusing permission to house peopl

Theo Clarke MP statement on Beaconside

Theo Clarke MP for Stafford has written to the immigration minister asking him to intervene and stop an appeal by Serco to house asylum seekers at former student accommodation in the town. The company has appealed a decision by Stafford Borough Council last summer to turn down the plans to house ne