Hitchin MP opposes housing asylum seekers at Needham House Hotel

Last week, the hotel informed customers with bookings - including couples who had booked the venue for their wedding - that their reservations had been cancelled due to "government business".

Hitchin and Harpenden's MP, Bim Afolami, has spoken out against the decision to use the hotel to accommodate people seeking asylum, saying he shares residents' concerns.

Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami (Image: Parliamentary office of Bim Afolami)

"I want to be very clear - I do not believe Needham House Hotel is a suitable location to house those seeking asylum for a number of reasons," he said.

"Not only is there insufficient infrastructure locally, placing those seeking asylum in a rural village with very limited facilities and transport links does not seem well thought out for anyone.

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"I have communicated my opposition very strongly to the Home Office."

Mr Afolami said he was only made aware of the situation by local residents.

However, he said: "I will be working closely with all those involved in the matter and will ensure the concerns of residents are at the centre of all future discussions.

"Furthermore, I have put in a parliamentary question to the Home Office questioning this decision and this will hopefully soon be discussed on the floor of the House of Commons."

Needham House Hotel has been contacted for comment.