The rights of migrants trump those of the people in Epping, Home Office lawyers have argued as it appeals against a temporary injunction granting the closure of an asylum seeker hotel.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's bid to appeal against a court ruling blocking asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping began at the Court of Appeal this morning.
Lawyers for the Home Office argued that the High Court judge who granted the injunction last week was 'wrong' not to let Ms Cooper challenge Epping Forest Council's application to close the hotel.
Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, said the hotel is part of 'critical national infrastructure' and that providing accommodation to asylum seekers is in the 'national interest'.
He told the court: 'There is a national interest in ensuring vulnerable individuals, namely asylum seekers, are accommodated.'
