MP for Wavenrey Valley speaks out Amid Tensions Over Park Hotel Asylum Plans
It's as the Home Office has proposed changes not everyone agrees with
Diss is at the heart of growing unease over government plans to rehouse single male asylum seekers at the Park Hotel, a move that has sparked protests and prompted urgent action from Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay.
Families Welcome, But Plans Spark Tension
Since 2023, the Park Hotel in Diss has provided a home to around 80 asylum seekers, mainly women and children, who have become part of the community. But recent Home Office plans to replace them with single male asylum seekers sparked outrage and street protests. In response, the hotel told the Home Office it would close rather than betray its family-only contract.
Council and Police Hold Firm
South Norfolk Council swiftly condemned the proposed change, saying it “will not accept a shift from housing families to single asylum seekers,” and has invoked planning enforcement powers to block it. Norfolk Police continue to monitor the situation, maintaining a proportionate but firm presence.
MP Ramsay Puts Community First
Adrian Ramsay has clarified that he has been “working behind the scenes with the Home Office, South Norfolk Council, police, community groups and residents to help ease tensions.” He emphasised his concern for the long-settled families and his push for clearer, faster communication to counter speculation.
He also revealed he has written to government ministers calling for a dedicated MP hotline, aimed at improving collaboration between local councils, MPs, and the Home Office.
Where Things Stand
For now, the hotel remains a haven for families, its future hanging in the balance. Local leaders vow to keep pushing for solutions that support both the community and vulnerable families, while resisting abrupt policy changes that threaten social cohesion.