Migrants staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping have "thanked" the Prime Minister following the Court of Appeal's ruling allowing them to remain there.
A temporary injunction, which blocked asylum seekers from being housed at the Essex hotel, was overturned yesterday, sparking widespread anger amongst locals and politicians.
Residents at the hotel, however, are "delighted" with the news and thanked "Sir Keir Starmer and his Government".
Khadar Mohamed, 24, from Somalia, said those staying in the hotel have been "living in fear" from local residents who have been frequently protesting outside.
He told The Telegraph: "I want to say thank you to Keir Starmer and his Government. I am delighted with the news, wow. That is really amazing."
Mr Mohamed said he won his claim for political asylum against the Home Office, insisting the migrants staying there are "good people".
He added: "We are not criminals. We are not criminals. The noise and protests are bad. We can't leave the hotel and have been told don't speak to protesters.
"I'm not a threat. I'm not a problem. I came for a new life. I want to be part of the country."
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One migrant said they have been 'living in fear' due to the number of protests
| GETTYAnother migrant in his 30s said he was "pleased", adding that "it had been a worry".
The temporary injunction was granted earlier this month after Epping council claimed that Somani Hotels had breaches planning rules to house the migrants.
The hotel has become the focal point of protests which have spread across the country in the last month, after an asylum seeker living there was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Epping residents said on Friday night they would continue their protests despite the legal victory for the Home Office.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the court judgement meant illegal migrants had "more rights than the British people".
Mr Farage said: "The Government has used the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) against the people of Epping. Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer."
Leader of the Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, added: "This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end. I say to Conservative councils seeking similar injunctions against asylum hotels - keep going!
"Every case has different circumstances, and I know good Conservative councils will keep fighting for residents, so we will keep working with them every step of the way."
Protesters have been taking to the streets in Epping in their continued demonstration against the hotel | PAResidents in Epping told GB News they were "devastated" by the ruling.
One local said: "It's absolutely disgusting. I feel like crying. We come here every week, show our support, and then they've taken it that they've got more rights than us citizens.
"It's an absolute disgrace. It has to be suitable places to put them, not within communities, not scattered about houses.
"They're unchecked, and that makes them dangerous."