Nine-Year-Old: Youngest Migrant Housed in UK Hotel Alongside Asylum Seekers
The High Court revealed a shocking truth: a nine-year-old is the youngest unaccompanied migrant currently housed in a hotel with other asylum-seekers. The disclosure came during a hearing led by Mr Justice Johnson, focused on the controversial use of hotels to accommodate vulnerable children fleeing their countries.
Hotels Housing Kids – Danger and Legal Fury
The Home Office plans to reopen a hotel in Hove, East Sussex, despite fears after 50 young residents previously housed there vanished without a trace. Council officials have slammed the decision and launched legal action against Home Secretary Suella Braverman. They’re demanding a court ban on using the hotel, fearing it puts children at severe risk from criminals and abusers.
How Many Kids Are Living in Hotels?
During the hearing, Mr Justice Johnson grilled the Home Office’s lead barrister, Lisa Giovannetti KC. She confirmed that a “quite high proportion” – around 40% – of asylum-seeking children under 16 spend more than 48 hours in hotel accommodation. This raises serious questions about the safety and legality of such arrangements.
Councils Cry Foul – Unregulated Housing is Illegal, Criminal
Stephanie Harrison KC, representing the council, fired back, calling housing under-16s in unregulated hotels not just unlawful, but a criminal offence. Kent County Council and children’s rights groups are joining the legal fight, worried these hotel placements violate their duty of care. Mr Justice Johnson hinted the cases could be combined for a big courtroom showdown later this summer.
The spotlight is now on the Home Office and the risks faced by some of the UK’s most vulnerable young migrants.
