Historic Reading Hotel Reopens for Guests Soon

The George Hotel in King Street, Reading, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 15th century (current build from the 17th), is set to reopen to paying guests after several years being used as an asylum seeker hotel.

The hotel, run by Mercure, attracted visits from auditors, including YouTuber DJE Media last July. It is currently sold out on booking sites but rooms are expected to become available soon.

Asylum seekers arrive in the UK without permission and request to stay while claiming to have fled war, persecution or other violence. The Home Office has used hotels while claims are processed - a policy first used by the previous Conservative government from 2020. The current Labour government is gradually closing these hotels.

The reopening has been alluded to by Matthew Barber, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, in reaction to Shabhana Mahmood's announcement that planning permission is being sought to house asylum seekers at an MOD site in Bicester. Matthew Barber said: "Even the Speaker of the House of Commons has condemned the way that the Government is attempting to sneak out their announcements about new asylum camps. In Parliament, the news was described as "totally unacceptable".

"Many will welcome the closure of asylum hotels, including the Oxford Witney Hotel and the Mercure George Hotel in Reading, but there will be significant concern about the community impact of MOD Bicester being used as an open camp for asylum seekers.

"As PCC, I have had no direct communication from the Home Office about the plans that have been published.

"MOD Bicester is one of three sites identified that will eventually house around 3,750 asylum seekers.

"At a time when we have seen reductions in our expected funding and underfunding of new officers, I am deeply concerned about the additional burden that the new asylum camp will place on local policing.

"I have already written to the Home Secretary requesting a meeting with officials to discuss additional resources needed as a result of the Government's proposals.

"I have highlighted significant concerns about the implications of policing potential protests at the site, and the need for additional police resources to manage demand both inside and outside of the camp."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter