London: A Surrey councillor has urged the prime minister to intervene and drop the government’s plan to house only single males at Stanwell Hotel.

Med Buck said on Wednesday he sent a letter to No 10 on behalf of residents, calling on Sir Keir Starmer to “listen to Stanwell residents” and find a housing solution that “protects both vulnerable people and maintain community safety”.

Earlier this month, the Home Office halted plans to house male-only asylum seekers in the hotel.

Mr Buck said: “Residents have raised serious concerns about safety, community cohesion, and wellbeing, which he believes need immediate and careful attention.”

He added: “This letter is our formal request asking for urgent intervention to stop the housing of male-only asylum seekers in the Stanwell hotel.”

Mr Buck, former mayor of Spelthorne, also highlighted that while the community has a strong record of welcoming asylum seekers, including families currently living at the hotel, the new approach “creates unnecessary tension”.

“Our residents have helped asylum-seeking families settle in, supported their children at the local school, and made them feel part of the community,” he added.

“But concentrating only young single males in one place, without the balance of families and diversity, risks upsetting that harmony and placing pressure on local services.”

On 7 August, Spelthorne Borough Council passed a motion calling for the Home Office to reconsider its plans.

On Wednesday, the local authority said it was working closely with Home Office regarding the future use of Stanwell Hotel, but that the government would make the final decision.

Council leader Joanne Sexton said the council recognised “significant concerns expressed by residents”.

“However, we were also mindful that the previous government entered into a contractual arrangement with the owners of the Stanwell Hotel,” she added.

“The agreed motion sends a clear and united message we do not support the proposed change in use of the hotel and any decisions must take full account of the impact on the community.”

– BBC News