Following the protest outside the OYO Lakeside Hotel in St Helens on Monday afternoon, we want to address some of the misinformation currently circulating about the hotel and its use.
While the protest was largely peaceful, several false claims have been shared about asylum seekers currently residing at the hotel.
It is important to understand that an asylum seeker is someone who has a legal right to remain in the UK while their application for protection is assessed by the Home Office. During this process, the Home Office has a statutory duty to provide accommodation for individuals who would otherwise be left destitute.
Temporary accommodation, such as hotels, is arranged and managed by the Home Office and its contracted providers. Local councils, including St Helens Borough Council, do not have a say in where individuals are placed.
The OYO Lakeside Hotel is the only location in St Helens Borough being used to accommodate asylum seekers. It is housing families and single women. There are no single men being accommodated at this hotel, and there are no plans to change this arrangement.
While we respect the democratic right to peaceful protest, we must also recognise the distress and concern this particular protest has caused among residents. The families and children do not deserve to be verbally abused, anyone who has seen the footage from the event will share this concern. There is no place for hate speech, racism, or bigotry in St Helens. We will not tolerate any efforts to threaten the safety, dignity, or cohesion of our community.”
While we respect the democratic right to peaceful protest, we must also recognise the distress and concern this particular protest has caused among residents. The families and children do not deserve to be verbally abused" - Leader of the Council, Cllr Anthony Burns
David Baines MP for St Helens North said “I know that many people are concerned about irregular immigration. I am too. The government is working to tackle irregular immigration, and to end the use of hotels which started under the previous government. The government is also working to speed up the assessment and appeals process.
We must defend the right to peaceful protest. We can, and should, debate important issues like immigration. But we must do so based on the facts and without giving racism and bigotry an inch.
Sadly, videos I’ve seen shared from Monday’s protest at the OYO Hotel suggest that some of those present crossed this line. There are women and children in that hotel, and it is completely unacceptable to target vulnerable families in this way.
I am proud of our country and proud of our community. We have a long track record of protecting and standing up for those in need. Those are British values.
I would like to thank Merseyside Police and St Helens Borough Council, and in particular the local community groups and individuals who are working day in, day out to offer support to those who need it.”
We must defend the right to peaceful protest. We can, and should, debate important issues like immigration. But we must do so based on the facts and without giving racism and bigotry an inch. - David Baines MP for St Helens North
Merseyside Police have responsibility for managing and policing such events, and we are working closely with them to maintain public order and community safety.
We stand in solidarity with those who oppose hate through lawful and peaceful means, and we thank the individuals and organisations who continue to promote inclusion and understanding.