Story perspectives

Home Office Evacuates Bell Hotel, Plans Close All Asylum Hotels

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Home Office evacuated all asylum seekers from Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, citing fire-safety concerns after violent protests.
Epping Forest District Council petitioned the High Court to close the hotel, saying it endangered children.
Home Office announced it will shut all asylum hotels, relocate occupants to former military sites, and noted a 35 % drop in hotel-based asylum seekers, after neo-Nazi group Homeland’s “Epping Says No” protests injured police and staff.

1 of 1

Story summary

Home Office evacuated all asylum seekers from Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, citing fire-safety concerns after violent protests.
Epping Forest District Council petitioned the High Court to close the hotel, saying it endangered children.
Home Office announced it will shut all asylum hotels, relocate occupants to former military sites, and noted a 35 % drop in hotel-based asylum seekers, after neo-Nazi group Homeland’s “Epping Says No” protests injured police and staff.