Government Scores Win in Bell Hotel Asylum Seeker Battle
The government has bagged the green light to appeal a High Court ruling that would have forced asylum seekers out of the Bell Hotel in Epping by mid-September. The Court of Appeal has overturned a block on the Home Office’s intervention, citing its “constitutional role relating to public safety.”
Court of Appeal Backs Home Office
The judgement landed at the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday, 29 August, from Lords Justices Bean, Nicola Davies, and Cobb. Lord Justice Bean made it clear:
“We should say at the outset what this appeal is not about. It is not concerned with the merits of government policy in relation to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in hotels or otherwise.”
Why the Fight Over Bell Hotel?
Epping Forest District Council tried to shut down the Bell Hotel’s asylum accommodation, arguing the owners, Somani Hotels, broke planning laws by housing asylum seekers without permission. The hotel has hosted migrants several times before — from May 2020 to January 2021, October 2022 to April 2024, and again since April 2025.
The council won a temporary injunction set to kick in on 12 September, risking the eviction of 138 men living there now.
Protests Flare, Arrests Follow
News of the case sparked protests outside the hotel earlier this month. Tensions soared following the arrest of 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who faces sexual assault charges and is currently on trial. Another resident, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, is charged with seven offences. Several individuals linked to protests have also been hit with charges over disorderly conduct.
Government Warns of ‘Disorderly Discharge’
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock told Sky News this appeal isn’t about keeping the Bell Hotel open forever but avoiding chaos:
“It’s not a question of if we close the hotels, it’s a question of when and how we close the hotels. What we don’t want is a disorderly discharge from every hotel in the country, which could leave asylum seekers living destitute in the streets. We are looking at a range of options – disused warehouses, offices, military barracks – but we need to manage this process carefully.”
What Now for Asylum Seekers at Bell?
With this ruling, the Home Office can formally challenge the injunction. Until the appeal is settled, the 138 asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel will stay put, but their long-term housing remains up in the air.
Across the country, around 32,000 asylum seekers are housed in 210 hotels, placing pressure on authorities to find better solutions — fast.
