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The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Three top hotels yards from Bournemouth beach being used as migrant accommodation sparking fury from tourists & locals
THREE huge hotels near one of Britain's favourite beaches are being used as accommodation for asylum seekers during the peak summer season. Holidaymakers in Bournemouth say they are fed-up at forking out thousands of pounds while illegal migrants are put up for free 200 metres from the seafront. 9 The Chine Hotel, used by asylum seekers, is in Bournemouth, a hotspot for Brit holidaymakers 9 The Roundhouse hotel is near the town centre and is being used to accommodate migrants 9 The Home Office have taken over the 123-room Britannia Hotel 9 We caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotel Credit: NC The hotels — all within walking distance of Bournemouth's seafront — have been closed to the paying public for more than a year. Home Office officials have taken over the 79-room Chine Hotel, the 102-room Roundhouse Hotel and 123-room Britannia Hotel. Around one million visitors book hotel stays in Bournemouth every year and there are fears the arrival of any more migrants in the Dorset town could severely damage its £1.3billion tourism industry. And this week there was anger among paying holidaymakers. Read more on migrant hotels HOTELS STAND-OFF More protests held outside migrant hotels across UK as anger rises Retired great-grandmother Susan Beacham, 70, of Cheltenham, Gloucs, forked out £1,400 for a week's stay with her daughter at the Hampton by Hilton near the town centre. 'Scared to walk around' She told The Sun: 'I don't think they should be in hotels like that if they've come here illegally. "That they're on the seaside makes me cross. It makes me scared to walk around at night when we've paid so much to come somewhere nice. 'If they're trying to escape a warzone, then I understand why genuine asylum seekers would come here. "But the hotels for people who aren't here legally are a waste of money, especially if they cross from France, because it's a safe country. 'The billions on this are taking away money from the NHS — which I need because I haven't been well.' First migrants detained under Starmer's 'one-in-one-out' deal with France as MORE boats arrive in UK Stewart Brown, 34, and Philip Finch, 75, from Cambridge, said putting an asylum hotel by the seaside could scare off young families. PE teacher Stewart said: 'It doesn't sit nicely with me. We've spent about £1,200 to come here. Before I came down, my dad made me aware of the asylum hotels. 'I think if you were staying around there you might feel uneasy about it, especially if you have young children. 'I suppose if you start seeing reviews saying that the crime rate around this area is increasing, I think it would be blocking people coming into the area on holiday.' Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour's massive failures Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp Retired grandfather Peter Morris, 76, on holiday from Peterborough, said: 'I don't agree with people coming over but they have to go somewhere. It's not good. They're expensive hotels. "The amount we're spending is a big number. You'd think those in power would always go for the cheapest option.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'Bournemouth's tourist trade is being put at risk by the Government. 'There are now more illegal immigrants in hotels than when Labour came to office and this year so far has been the worst ever for Channel crossings. 'Labour promised to smash the gangs and end hotel use. 'Both promises lie in tatters and Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour's massive failures.' 9 Bikes thought to be for illegal work outside The Chine hotel 9 Migrants gathered outside The Roundhouse hotel Earlier this year local Labour MP Tom Hayes blasted the situation, telling Parliament: 'Bournemouth hotels cost the taxpayer eye-watering sums and everyone is stuck in a situation that nobody wants.' The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association told The Sun that the Government's choice to use hotels in the town for asylum seeker accommodation was 'disappointing'. But hotelier Rosie Radwell, who is chair of the BAHA, claimed: 'Bournemouth and the South Coast remain a wonderful destination for visitors, and holidaymakers should rest assured of high standards and a warm welcome.' There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on Apartment owner Yesterday The Sun caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotel — despite Labour promising a crackdown on illegal working. The Chine boasts a sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool but it is understood the amenities were closed when migrants arrived. It now has a security guard at the entrance and parking spaces coned off for bikes suspected to be used by illegal workers. A nearby apartment owner said: 'There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on.' 9 Some of the bikes racked up outside The Britannia hotel 9 The public cannot stay at asylum-seeker hotel The Chine in Bournemouth Volunteer group Safeguard Force plans to start patrols next week to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour. Dorset Police said it was not endorsed by the force and must operate within the law. A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council spokesman said: 'The council carefully monitors the use of asylum hotels and the impact on our services, community safety and the local economy.' The region's Destination Management Board said: 'Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have over 450 hotels and guesthouses. Only three are currently under government contract to accommodate asylum seekers. 'The wider conurbation remains fully open for tourism, events and business, with strong bed availability, vibrant hospitality and a thriving local economy.' The Government said: 'From over 400 asylum hotels under the previous government, there are now fewer than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' 'DINGHY SALES MR BIG' NICKED AN alleged international trafficking kingpin charged with selling rubber dinghies to migrant gangs was nicked on his way to a boat show. Adem Savas faces up to 15 years accused of shipping thousands of inflatables and life-jackets from China to Turkey. The Turk, 44, was nicked when he flew into Amsterdam for a boat show after a long probe by British, Belgian and Dutch cops. His case was adjourned by a Belgian court yesterday.
Irish Times
7 hours ago
- Irish Times
PSNI launches plan to address ethnic minority communities' concerns
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a plan to address concerns within ethnic minority communities. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he wants to ensure everyone in the region feels safe, supported and respected. The force's Race and Ethnicity Action Plan, launched on Thursday, August 7th, outlines goals and steps to eradicate racial and ethnic disparities in policing. The plan outlines five commitments to being an anti-racist police service. READ MORE It has been in development since 2024 following disorder associated with anti-immigration protests in Belfast as well as cities across the UK following the killing of three children in Southport . Businesses belonging to those from minority communities were destroyed in the Donegall Road area during the disorder. Similar tension was also seen earlier in 2025 in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Speaking at the launch, Mr Boutcher said: 'Recent events have demonstrated the need for decisive action and clear leadership to stamp out racism which clearly exists in communities in Northern Ireland'. The PSNI's plan said those events underline the need for policing to be visibly anti-racist and make it clear there is no place for hatred and discrimination in Northern Ireland. Police said 'bigots and racists' were to blame for four nights of unrest in Ballymena, Co Antrim, earlier in 2025. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/ Getty Images It includes enhanced training programmes, oversight mechanisms, community engagement and policy reforms. The plan outlined commitments ensure people from an ethnic minority background feel safe, valued by and engaged in policing and that police respect and are trusted by people from ethnic minority communities. Police have committed to 'excellence in diversity, equality, representation and inclusivity'. The plan noted that according to the most recent census, 8.1 per cent of the region's population belongs to ethnic minority communities, yet just 0.66 per cent of PSNI officers and 0.75 per cent of staff do. In his foreword to the report, Mr Boutcher acknowledged public confidence in police, 'especially among these communities [that have] been impacted by historical injustices, disparities in policing outcomes and a perception of bias within the system'. 'It is our responsibility to not only recognise these concerns, but to actively address them,' he said. Mr Boutcher told the launch event that the plan represented a commitment to ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland. 'We recognise the importance of listening to all communities and working together to build a policing service that truly reflects the diversity of the society we serve,' he said. 'We are confident this action plan will drive the work of the police service and help us to work more effectively with ethnic minority communities and partners. 'The Race and Ethnicity Action Plan aligns with PSNI's broader equality, diversity and inclusivity and our work through our policing with the community vision, ensuring that tangible actions to address race and ethnicity are embedded across all areas of policing.' The plan outlines five commitments to being an anti-racist police service. Photograph: EPA/ Paul McErlane He added that the force was committed to regular updates on the progress of the plan and 'to continuing open dialogue with ethnic minority communities'. Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Mukesh Sharma, welcomed the publication of the plan. 'This action plan clearly sets out PSNI's commitment to tackling racist hate crime in all its forms,' he said. 'There is much work to do in tackling hate crime. Its eradication requires a wider societal response in parallel with a policing one and publication of this action plan is an important step. 'The board will monitor and oversee progress in its delivery with the chief constable.'
Irish Times
7 hours ago
- Irish Times
Air Corps had to pull out of show in England due ‘significant challenges' for air traffic control
The Air Corps had to pull out of a British air show due to 'significant challenges' in air traffic control at Casement Aerodrome. Irish aircraft had been expected to appear at the RAF Cosford Air Show, near Wolverhampton in the English midlands, on June 8th, but this did not happen. The Irish Times had reported in May how Irish military flight operations were to move to part-time hours, consisting of a five-day-a week daytime-only flying schedule, due to a shortage of trained air traffic controllers. Five personnel were due to depart for the private sector, necessitating the move to a reduced schedule, which was to take effect from June 7th. READ MORE At one point an Irish Air Corps Pilatus PC-12 aircraft had been expected to be on static display at the air show. However, a social media post by RAF Cosford on May 17th said this aircraft would no longer be there. Attendees were told they would still be 'able to get up close' to two Air Corps helicopters, but a further online post on June 5th said: 'We have just been informed that the Irish Air Corps' AgustaWestland AW139 and Eurocopter EC135 [helicopters] will no longer be attending.' Labour Party TD Ged Nash asked Minister for Defence Simon Harris about the matter in a parliamentary question. Mr Harris said the Air Corps' participation in air shows was a 'worthwhile endeavour, with many relationships forged and knowledge shared at such events'. He said requests to take part in overseas exhibitions 'are subject to domestic operational commitments being met'. 'Given the significant challenges being experienced in relation to air traffic control at Casement Aerodrome at the time of this particular air show, and the focus of the Air Corps necessarily being on essential operations, I am advised that attendance at an air show in the UK could not be approved by my officials and this position was accepted by the military authorities,' Mr Harris said. In response to queries, neither the Department of Defence nor the Defence Forces offered information on the levels of air traffic control staffing and flight operations at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Co Dublin, on the weekend of the air show in June. A Department of Defence statement said: 'Currently the military authorities are operating a seven day-per-week, 12 hour-per-day, air traffic control service at Casement Aerodrome. 'Where required for particular security and operational reasons contingency services can be deployed. Given the sensitive nature of such operations, it would not be appropriate to comment further.' A Defence Forces statement said it did 'not comment on air traffic control-related queries of this nature due to operational security'. Mr Harris has previously promised investment in the Air Corps, including military radar and new aircraft. It is to be renamed the Irish Air Force.
