Statement about protests at asylum hotels

The use of asylum hotels at a massive cost to the taxpayer is a shameful legacy of the Conservatives. Liberal Democrats have long called to end their use. We will always defend the right to peaceful protest but no one has the right to intimidate or incite fear. The police acted professionally and bravely to keep the public safe, and it’s right that those causing disorder were held accountable.

The far right will seek to take advantage of peaceful protests for their own aims - spreading fear and hatred. We will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but the police must continue to act professionally and bravely to stop intimidation and those looking to incite fear. 

The asylum backlog has been far too large for far too long. The Conservatives trashed our immigration system and let numbers spiral. Now this Labour government needs to urgently get a grip on the crisis. The Government urgently needs to stop dangerous Channel crossings and speed up asylum processing to bring down the backlog and end hotel use once and for all. A faster application process would mean that those with no right to be here are sent back swiftly and those who do have a valid claim can get a job, integrate and contribute to the community