Blackpool MP Chris Webb demands Britannia's Metropole Hotel evict 500 asylum seekers 'immediately'

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Blackpool South MP Chris Webb is leading calls for asylum seekers to be moved from the Metropole Hotel ‘immediately’, claiming “the situation is placing unbearable strain on local services”.

Mr Webb says he will continue to ‘lead the charge’ as concerns grow over the continued use of the resort hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Mr Webb wants the hotel on Central Promenade, owned by Britannia and used to accommodate asylum seekers since 2021, to be returned to its original tourism use and restored "to its former glory."

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Blackpool South MP Chris Webb outside the Metropole HotelBlackpool South MP Chris Webb outside the Metropole Hotel
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb outside the Metropole Hotel | Chris Webb

“It’s time for the owners of the Metropole to take action,” said the Labour MP for Blackpool South in a video filmed outside the hotel last week.

“That’s why I’m leading the charge to demand that this hotel should be closed as an asylum hotel immediately.

“It must be invested in and returned to its original purpose as a destination for holidaymakers and locals,” added Mr Webb.

“Doing so will not only help with Blackpool’s regeneration, but also restore our vibrant holiday scene.

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“Together, we can help those in need while supporting the well-being and prosperity of our residents. Blackpool deserves a future where compassion and practicality go hand in hand.”

Metropole Hotel in its former gloryMetropole Hotel in its former glory
Metropole Hotel in its former glory | National World

He also accused Serco, which operates the accommodation on behalf of the Home Office, of providing inadequate security, food and care for the 500 asylum seekers who call the Metropole home.

Mr Webb said: "I am hearing directly from asylum seekers in the hotel about the alleged mistreatment they are suffering including a lack of access to food, poor hygiene standards, a lack of fire procedure, alleged verbal abuse, and the psychological torment of being housed in such an unstable and unsuitable environment.

"I have heard heartbreaking accounts of people in dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions and I’m extremely concerned that the situation is a tragedy waiting to happen.” He also says Serco has ignored his requests to visit the hotel.

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But Serco has refuted Mr Webb's claims and says the safety and wellbeing of the Metropole's residents "is our top priority".

A Serco spokesperson said: "Our staff treat all the people in our accommodation with respect and dignity and their safety and wellbeing is our top priority, including providing regular balanced meals.

"We believe this hotel is safe and well run and are meeting MP Chris Webb on Monday to discuss his concerns."

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Mr Webb has been calling for the Metropole to be closed to asylum seekers since last September when he also met with Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle to discuss the issue. Asylum seekers were first moved into The Metropole in September 2021 despite council concerns public services were already under pressure.

Mr Webb, whose own mother worked at the Metropole when it was owned by Butlin's, added: "This place is a symbol of our town's warmth and spirit. We must honour that legacy by ensuring that the Metropole serves a purpose that benefits all of us.”

Recent speculation that the Norbreck Castle Hotel and the former Warbreck House civil service offices could be used as accommodation of asylum seekers has been dismissed.

Blackpool Council were approached for comment.

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