The MP for Blackpool South is fighting to have migrants removed from the town’s iconic Metropole hotel.
In 2021, the Conservative Party announced that the Metropole – a hotel on Blackpool’s seafront which has stood for 240 years – would be converted into housing for asylum seekers.
It was initially proposed as a three month temporary solution, but that was almost four years ago.
Now, Chris Webb – the MP for Blackpool South – is battling to have the hundreds of migrants being housed there removed and relocated, so that the hotel can be restored and once again used to bring in tourism and business to the second most deprived constituency in the country.
Chris Webb MP is battling to have the hundreds of migrants being housed at the Metropole relocated
UK PARLIAMENT
Last week, he launched a petition to try and urge those responsible to listen to his concerns and take action.
Speaking to GB News, Webb said: “We need this back for our local economy. Businesses all around here on the seafront message me, day-in and day-out, saying ‘we need this back.'”
“This is now putting immeasurable strain on our local services.”
“It’s an incredible hotel, but it needs to be brought back into holiday-making use, and stop being an asylum hotel.”
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Webb said he had seen issues with both “safety and staffing” in the hotel
WIKIMEDIA
For the past few months, Webb has tried to gain access to the Metropole, following concerning reports of welfare issues within the hotel.
Last week, Serco – the organisation responsible for housing asylum seekers – allowed him in for the first time.
Recalling what he found once inside, Webb said he had seen issues with both “safety and staffing”, as well as alleged “rationing of baby formula” for parents with newborns.
Meanwhile, one source told GB News that hotel owners, Britannia, are making around £250,000 every week at the Metropole alone, and yet only spend 10% of that money on staffing, despite housing around 350 migrants.
For the past few months, Webb has tried to gain access to the Metropole, following concerning reports of welfare issues within the hotel
WIKIMEDIA
When asked for comment, Britannia has so far failed to respond.
However, responding to the concerns raised by Chris Webb, Serco 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 we have met with MP, Chris Webb, to discuss his concerns.”