Commenting on the news that the previously proposed plans for 397 asylum seekers to be housed in Wych Elm have been abandoned by the Home Office, MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon said:
“As local residents will know from reports in Your Harlow and on social media in recent weeks, there were proposals from the Home Office to relocate and house 397 asylum seekers in the brand-new luxury development in Wych Elm, Harlow.
“As soon as I received notice of this proposal, I immediately wrote to the Immigration Minister, alongside local Council Leaders and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive of Harlow Council to object in the strongest possible terms. The proposal was entirely inappropriate and I pledged to do everything possible to ensure this did not go ahead.
“Following confirmation from the Home Office today, I am pleased to announce that these plans have been abandoned.
“Harlow is a very compassionate town, and in recent years has welcomed refugees in need who were fleeing conflict and persecution in countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Hong Kong. Indeed, almost 50 Ukrainian families are currently living in Harlow after the outbreak of Putin’s illegal war.
“I know that Harlow will continue to welcome those in need, but this must be measured against the needs of local residents. With five thousand people currently on the Housing Needs Register, Harlow homes must be prioritised for Harlow people. As such, I am pleased that the Home Office has listened to my concerns, and those of local residents and agreed to scrap the proposal.
“This news follows the Prime Minister and Home Secretary’s plans to stop illegal migration and end the practice of small boats making dangerous crossings across the channel. Our immigration system must be fair but I do believe it is right that the Government takes action to break this harmful cycle of human trafficking, stop illegal migration to our shores, and at the same time, ensure provision and support is available to those refugees and unaccompanied children in need. I was disappointed to see that Labour again refused to understand the people’s priorities and voted against the Illegal Migration Bill which would tackle this problem.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Home Office and Harlow Council officials, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the Leader of Harlow Council, Russell Perrin, and Leader and Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, alongside local residents for their support on this matter.”
