The Scalford Country House Hotel in Melton, England, will soon be welcoming migrants instead of paying guests after signing a deal with the U.K. government.
Guests who booked stays at a hotel in the United Kingdom are having their reservations cancelled amid plans to convert the site into a ‘temporary’ reception centre for illegal migrants, according to reports.
“Scalford Country House Hotel has entered into an agreement with the Home Office to provide temporary, closed quarantine accommodation to asylum seekers for around five days before being moved to long-term accommodation,” MP Alicia Kearns told the Melton Times.
Under a partnership slated to last through November, migrants will stay at the former hunting lodge, which also serves as a nursing home.
“MTC [security firm] have reassured us that the facility will be monitored closely 24 hours a day with staff on-site,” Scalford Court Care Home said in a statement sent to families with members staying at the assisted living facility. “Our normal strict security measures will also remain in place and the local police for the area are upping their patrols in the area.”
“Those seeking asylum will arrive at the hotel escorted and will remain there for five days, receiving Covid testing, and they are to remain in their rooms except for meals, unless they have a positive covid result, they will not be allowed to use the grounds around the hotel.”
Reservations for guests and events – including weddings – are reportedly being terminated.
“The asylum system is being exploited by criminal gangs who facilitate dangerous, unnecessary and illegal small boat crossings,” a Home Office spokeswoman told the Times. “Our Nationality and Borders bill will fix this broken system to deter these dangerous and illegal crossings.”
“In the meantime, due to the unprecedented demand, we need to use temporary facilities such as hotels to manage demands on our existing accommodation and the immigration detention estate.”
Forsided, 05.08.2021