It won’t have escaped the notice of readers that there is a lot of noise surrounding the issue of migrants coming to the UK in small boats across the Channel. With large numbers needing accommodation, they have been housed in hotels across the country. There has even been some unrest.
We have, here in Wyre Forest, a couple of hotels that house some of the migrants – at the Gainsborough on Bewdley Hill in Kidderminster, and the former Mercure Hotel just outside Bewdley. In response to emails and speculation about the residents on social media, I was keen to see what is going on.
Between the two hotels, there are around 150 migrants, mainly in their 20s and 30s, but some as old as 70. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds, some with professional qualifications, but all from countries that any one of us here in the UK would seek to flee from. Like any of us, they want a better life – stability, opportunity, and a desire to contribute to their chosen communities. Indeed, some are already volunteering in charity shops and other ventures across our district.
But on social media, there has been suggestion that they are behind local crimes. I was keen to establish the facts, so met with the local inspector and a couple of her colleagues.
The truth is that there has been just one incident of concern. That person was removed from the district and faces a trial imminently. Crime rates have not changed since they arrived and there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that they are involved in any crime at all. Indeed, they are potentially victims, with concerns they are used for what amounts to slave labour.
I am not blind to the concerns of people about migration, including those people arriving on boats from France. But what I saw when I visited these hotels was normal people wanting better. They are motivated to come to the UK because we have such a golden reputation across the world, with a history of fairness and compassion that appeals to people. Our reputation for help through international development is second to none.
For those who are with us already, the police keep an eye on things from their, as well as our, point of view. There are volunteers who are supporting them and there are community groups who open their doors to them. They are looked after and they will go through a process to establish the validity of their claim for asylum. But let’s not blame them for things they have not done.