![Theo Clarke outside the Home Office](/sites/www.theo-clarke.org.uk/files/styles/gallery_large/public/2024-05/Theo%20Clarke%20Home%20Office.jpeg?itok=Wmy8VLjn)
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.