MP's concern over Newquay hotel housing asylum seekers
Steve Double says it's important it's only temporary
Newquay and St Austell's MP is calling for extra support for services in Cornwall - to help people seeking asylum in the county.
It's as the Home Office are using a hotel in Newquay to offer migrants and asylum seekers a place for refuge over the winter months.
MP Steve Double has told us it's important the move is only temporary, and that it doesn't extend into the tourist season.
He also says the Home Office needs to take steps to properly process people coming into the county - as well as identify those who are not refugees.
In a statement, the MP said, "Over the last two days I have been in touch with Home Office Ministers, the Leader of Cornwall Council and local councillors, to ensure these people both get the support they need and that the Home Office takes steps to properly process them and take further action as required.”
“Firstly, I have made it clear that we expect the Home Office to process applications as quickly as possible to ensure those who are genuine refugees get the support they need and are able to move on to the next stage of their lives in the UK. Equally it is important that the Home Office identify those who are not refugees and that these people are repatriated to their own countries.”
“Secondly I have asked that resources be made available to Cornwall Council to ensure that while these additional people are living here, there is no impact on our already stretched local services.”
“Thirdly I have asked for a commitment from the Home Office that no hotel will be used in this capacity beyond the end of winter so as to not impact on our important tourist season.”
“I will continue to work with all involved to ensure that those who need our assistance get it in a prompt and timely manner while ensuring there is minimal impact on our local communities."