Our Cresta Court and Ashley Hotel motion was delayed because of the recent by-elections, during which the council chose to shut down public debate that they feel might influence the voters. Those by-elections have now taken place, and there is no longer any justification for preventing open discussion.
We have always been ready to debate the use of local hotels for asylum accommodation and have never shied away from difficult or sensitive conversations. We requested an extraordinary meeting to ensure a full and transparent debate, but this was refused.
We have also sought clarity from the Home Office regarding whether individuals placed in these hotels have been properly vetted, but so far we haven't received any response. The council has stated that they have not been in recent correspondence with the Home Office. This lack of transparency only increases public concern.
It is regrettable that some chose to perceive our pursuit of answers for our residents as opposition to migrants themselves. That is not, and has never been, the case. We have made our position clear and will continue to do so. Our priority is listening to the concerns of our residents and considering their safety and the wellbeing of our community.
We remain resolute that housing large numbers of male individuals who have arrived through illegal routes in hotels and HMOs is unacceptable. Alternative Government-managed accommodation such as repurposed barracks, temporary facilities, or other controlled sites must be used instead, whatever is necessary to ensure proper security, vetting, and safeguarding. The safety of our residents, our families and our children must come first.
It is also clear that Labour has no credible plan to deter dangerous crossings or manage the situation responsibly. They have abandoned the Rwanda deterrent, and communities like ours are now left to deal with the consequences with no resolution in site.
We will continue to push for accountability, transparency, and proper safeguarding for both residents and asylum seekers. Now that the by-elections have concluded, there must be no further delay in allowing full debate and proper democratic scrutiny.
See more at - https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=122&MId=406…