A council which has a hotel that is being used to house asylum seekers has been pressed to condemn racist rhetoric.
A council facing scrutiny over its use of a hotel to house asylum seekers has been urged to denounce racist language.
The Best Western Moat House Plus hotel in Sindlesham has been housing asylum seekers while their claims are processed, with Wokingham Borough accommodating 250 asylum seekers in hotels as per Home Office data.
This summer, Stephen Conway, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, indicated a review of the hotel's use for asylum seekers was on the cards after a legal challenge concerning The Bell Hotel by Epping Forest District Council.
He asserted the council's commitment to creating a safe and welcoming borough for all.
During the last full council meeting on September 25, Cllr Conway was pressed to speak out against the racist rhetoric surrounding the use of hotels for asylum seekers.
Andy Croy, a Labour activist and Wokingham town councillor, highlighted that the council had previously declared its intention to become a Borough of Sanctuary for refugees, emphasising the ongoing issue of racism.
Croy mentioned that one of the borough's MPs, Yuan Yang, has faced racist threats, and he praised the community in Winnersh for resisting a far-right campaign that had instilled fear among residents.
He urged the leader to explicitly condemn racism, stating, "Racism is evil – it is not welcome here." Cllr Conway agreed and reaffirmed the council's commitment to tackling racism, noting that their new council plan prioritises community safety and inclusivity.
In response to further concerns raised by Croy, Cllr Conway acknowledged the importance of addressing racism openly and expressed his commitment to fostering a community where everyone feels they belong.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
