THE COURT of Appeal has overturned a High Court injunction that would have forced asylum seekers to leave the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. The case concerns the Bell Hotel, which has housed asylum seekers intermittently since 2020. The Home Office sought permission to appeal on 22 August, the hotel owner obtained permission on 26 August, and arguments were heard this week before yesterday’s ruling. Hotels have been used to accommodate asylum seekers since 2020 because of a large case backlog and a shortage of long-term housing. Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 the Home Secretary must provide accommodation to destitute asylum seekers while claims are decided.