Home Office plans for Stanwell Hotel

The Hotel is currently predominantly occupied by families, including vulnerable women and children, and the Council is asking the wider community to respect their welfare.

Spelthorne has a history of supporting asylum seekers and refugees, and the Home Office has emphasised its desire to work with the Local Authority and other partners.

The Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, is calling on the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, to take this opportunity provided by this pause to reconsider and reverse her decision with respect to the use of the Stanwell Hotel.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, said:

"It appears that the Home Office wish to engage in meaningful engagement and this temporary pause is welcomed. However, I am still concerned about the potential consequences of the proposed changes and the impact they will have on Stanwell Village. That is why I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister of State where I will be urging the Government to listen to the concerns of the local authority and community."

The urgency of the matter has led the Group Administration to call for an Extraordinary Council meeting to take place on 7 August at 7pm to discuss the matter further.

The Council acknowledges the community's right to peaceful demonstration and thanks residents for expressing their concerns lawfully and respectfully, despite strong feelings about the planned changes regarding Stanwell Hotel.

We urge everyone to continue engaging in a manner that avoids public disorder and helps maintain community safety, respect, and unity.