This shows complete disregard to their own procedures as well as an utter lack of compassion for the impact on vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers. I am proud that Haringey has always been a place of welcome to people around the world. I’ve written to the Secretary of State urging him to suspend removals .

The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP
Secretary of State for the Home Department
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

8 December 2023

Dear Secretary of State,

I am deeply concerned to hear that residents of the National Hotel in my constituency, which is being used to house people who have applied for asylum in the UK, are being forcefully removed to Bibby Stockholm with no notification. This goes against the Home Office’s own official guidance of providing at least 5 days notice and it is unacceptable that residents were given minutes to collect their belongings.

I echo the Leader of Haringey Council’s calls for any further planned removals to be suspended immediately until the following actions are taken:

1. Assurances are provided by the Home Office that due process will be followed and any residents threatened with removal will be notified at least 5 days prior, in accordance with Home Office policy. Processes must also be put in place to validate this.
2. Any residents notified of the Home Office’s plans to remove them to Bibby Stockholm are entitled to appeal the decision and should be given the time needed to seek advice and representation to support them with this.

Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. I condemn the Home Office’s actions against the residents at the National Hotel, who were denied their rights as outlined by your own Department. Every week I receive emails from constituents shocked at this government’s appalling lack of compassion towards refugees and asylum seekers and I am proud that Haringey continues to open its doors to people from around the world.

I urge you as Home Secretary to investigate this matter, which demonstrates a complete disregard for due process, as a matter of urgency. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,