Frustration mounts among Runcorn residents as Labour faces backlash for failing to shut the Daresbury Park hotel housing asylum seekers, following a by-election defeat to Reform UK amid rising concerns over crime and public service strain.
Residents in Runcorn Express Frustration Over Asylum-Seeker Hotel
In Runcorn, Cheshire, a growing tide of discontent has emerged among residents living near the Daresbury Park hotel, currently being used as accommodation for asylum seekers. Locals accuse Labour of failing to fulfil its pledge to shut down this facility, which has been operational since 2020. Just last week, the party faced a devastating by-election defeat to Reform UK, a result many attribute to persistent concerns surrounding the asylum policy.
The Daresbury Park hotel—which once thrived as a wedding venue and tourist hub—now serves as a temporary home for those awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. Residents report that since the arrival of migrants, crime rates have surged, and essential services, including healthcare access, have dwindled. Many locals have expressed frustration at what they view as inadequate support from the local government, claiming that their communities are being neglected in favour of those housed in the hotel.
Reform UK’s newly elected MP, Sarah Pochin, has demanded assurances from Labour regarding the closure of the Daresbury Park hotel. She describes the party’s previous commitment to do so as potentially opportunistic, made merely to secure votes in the run-up to the by-election. “The people of Runcorn and Helsby have been let down so often by Labour,” she stated, underscoring the decline in local confidence in the party.
Parallel to these claims, a deeper examination of the hotel’s operations reveals a community grappling with the complexities of immigration policy. Residents have reported seeing hotel occupants engaging in local activities, including gambling, which fuels further resentment. “You can’t get a doctor’s appointment… yet there are people in there in relative luxury,” lamented Peter Robinson, a retired dockworker. Opinions are mixed; while some locals express hostility towards asylum seekers, others are sympathetic to their plight and acknowledge the broader issues within the asylum system as outlined in reports detailing the isolation and limited healthcare access faced by these individuals.
Labour’s position on asylum seekers has also shifted recently, especially in response to criticism from right-wing factions. During the campaign for the recent by-election, Labour candidate Karen Shore initially welcomed refugees but later initiated a petition to shut the Daresbury Park hotel. This apparent contradiction has led Reform UK to accuse her of misrepresenting her views to gain voter approval. The political ramifications of these events are significant, as they reflect a broader tension in the UK political landscape regarding immigration and local resource allocation.
The high-stakes nature of the asylum debate has intensified in Runcorn, not only influencing how politicians engage with local voters but also affecting the community’s overall sentiment. With allegations of increased crime and dwindling public services, residents are mobilising to demand action. “Nobody has ever asked us if we were happy having hundreds of migrants dumped on our doorstep,” said one local, illustrating the disconnect citizens feel with government policies.
As the situation unfolds, further scrutiny of Labour’s pledges and the home office’s asylum policies remains crucial to understanding the evolving dynamics in Runcorn. The town’s reliance on the Daresbury Park hotel as a temporary asylum facility has become emblematic of a nationwide issue that continues to provoke debate, anger, and calls for change.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684223/Neighbours-migrant-hotel-Runcorn-election-Labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Runcorn_and_Helsby_by-election)
- Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684223/Neighbours-migrant-hotel-Runcorn-election-Labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[2]](https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/18737230.inside-daresbury-park-hotel-used-house-asylum-seekers/), [[5]](https://news.sky.com/story/labour-promises-to-end-use-of-hotels-for-asylum-seekers-and-clear-case-backlog-12961379)
- Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684223/Neighbours-migrant-hotel-Runcorn-election-Labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[3]](https://labourlist.org/2025/03/runcorn-helsby-karen-shore-labour-candidate-by-election-asylum-seekers/), [[6]](https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/reform-uk-accuses-labour-candidate-of-deceiving-voters-275558)
- Paragraph 4 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684223/Neighbours-migrant-hotel-Runcorn-election-Labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[2]](https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/18737230.inside-daresbury-park-hotel-used-house-asylum-seekers/)
- Paragraph 5 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684223/Neighbours-migrant-hotel-Runcorn-election-Labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[6]](https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/reform-uk-accuses-labour-candidate-of-deceiving-voters-275558)
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684223/Neighbours-migrant-hotel-Runcorn-election-Labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/18737230.inside-daresbury-park-hotel-used-house-asylum-seekers/ – An in-depth look at the Daresbury Park Hotel, which has been housing asylum seekers since April 2020. The article highlights the challenges faced by residents, including isolation, limited access to healthcare, and harassment from far-right activists. It also discusses the conditions within the hotel, with some residents likening it to a prison due to strict curfews and limited freedom. The piece sheds light on the broader issues within the UK’s asylum accommodation system and the experiences of those seeking refuge.
- https://labourlist.org/2025/03/runcorn-helsby-karen-shore-labour-candidate-by-election-asylum-seekers/ – Labour’s candidate for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, Karen Shore, has initiated a petition to close a local hotel used to house asylum seekers. This move comes after criticism from right-wing groups and contrasts with her previous stance of welcoming refugees. The article delves into the political implications of this decision, the reactions from various political factions, and the potential impact on the upcoming by-election.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Runcorn_and_Helsby_by-election – A comprehensive overview of the 2025 Runcorn and Helsby by-election, triggered by the resignation of MP Mike Amesbury. The article details the candidates, including Sarah Pochin of Reform UK and Karen Shore of Labour, and the election results. It also provides context on the constituency’s political history, the significance of the by-election, and the broader implications for UK politics.
- https://news.sky.com/story/labour-promises-to-end-use-of-hotels-for-asylum-seekers-and-clear-case-backlog-12961379 – Labour has pledged to end the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers if it comes to power. The plan includes increasing the number of caseworkers and establishing temporary courts to expedite the processing of asylum claims. The article discusses the party’s strategy to address the asylum backlog and the financial implications of current accommodation methods.
- https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/reform-uk-accuses-labour-candidate-of-deceiving-voters-275558 – Reform UK has accused Labour’s Runcorn and Helsby by-election candidate, Karen Shore, of deceiving voters regarding her stance on asylum seekers. The article explores the political controversy surrounding Shore’s petition to close a local asylum hotel, contrasting it with her previous advocacy for welcoming refugees. It also examines the broader political dynamics and implications for the by-election.
- https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/23299747.group-travellers-move-onto-daresbury-park-hotel/ – A group of seven caravans has moved onto the car park of the Daresbury Park Hotel, which is currently housing asylum seekers. The article reports on the encampment’s proximity to a permanent traveller camp and the lack of clarity regarding the duration of their stay. It also touches upon the hotel’s history and its current use as accommodation for migrants.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references recent by-election results and ongoing community concerns, suggesting it is up-to-date.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
While quotes are present, they appear to be from recent statements related to the by-election, but specific original sources or dates for these quotes are not verified.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, which has been known for its political leanings. However, it incorporates views from multiple parties, lending some balance to the report.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about community dissatisfaction and political tensions are plausible in the context of asylum policy debates. However, specific claims about crime rates and healthcare access are not directly verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and reflects ongoing community issues. While quotes are included, their original sources are not verified. The source reliability is moderate due to the Daily Mail’s political leanings. The plausibility of claims is supported by the context of asylum policy debates, but specific details lack verification.
