HOME Office bosses have stressed the safety of asylum seekers is “of the utmost importance”, after far-right activists staged a protest outside a Colchester hotel.
Four members of the so-called Patriotic Alternative movement descended on the Holiday Inn Express, in Birchwood Road, Colchester, on Saturday.
In December, the hospitality venue took in more than 100 men - some of which were suffering with mental health issues - after they fled to the UK from their homelands.
During their stunt in front of the hotel entrance the right wing demonstrators unveiled a large banner opposing asylum-seekers, which read: “You pay, migrants stay”.
Since then concerns have been raised over the safety of the asylum-seekers staying at the hotel, with calls for the Home Office to move them to better-suited locations.
The Government department has now responded, saying the decision to move asylum-seekers into hotels is one which is well thought through and considered.
READ MORE: 'Shock' as far-right activists stage protest outside hotel housing asylum-seekers
A spokesman said: “The welfare of asylum seekers in our care is of the utmost importance and any attempts to fuel resentment towards them are completely unacceptable.
“Whenever we seek to use sites for asylum accommodation, we engage with the local police and other stakeholders to identify any community tensions.
“We continually review the security at asylum accommodation sites with providers.”
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