Richard Tice in blistering attack on Labour after Epping migrant hotel ruling: 'We're heading for moral, cultural, societal bankruptcy'

Mr Tice expressed profound alarm about the nation's trajectory. "I, along with tens of millions of others, am deeply, deeply concerned about the state of this country," he stated.

The Reform UK figure went further, asserting that the current administration is steering the nation towards "moral, cultural, societal bankruptcy."

His comments came in response to Friday's judicial ruling concerning the Bell Hotel in Epping, which has been housing asylum seekers.

Mr Tice directed particular scorn at the judiciary's handling of the case, ridiculing one of the presiding judges. "One of the judges was called Bean. My conclusion is, Bean by name, Mr Bean by nature," he remarked, characterising the verdict as an "ironic, comical decision."

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He accused the judiciary of functioning as "an arm of the executive branch" and condemned their prioritisation of asylum seekers' rights.

According to Mr Tice, Government lawyers successfully contended that "the human rights under the ECHR of those illegal migrants" should supersede "the rights of Epping residents to enjoy a peaceful, safe environment."

Mark White details 'bitter blow' for Epping locals as migrants 'staying put' in hotel - WATCH

He referenced multiple incidents involving hotel residents, citing "too many examples of leering, jeering and harassment" that he claimed were disregarded by the court.

The Court of Appeal handed down its decision on Friday afternoon, reversing an earlier High Court order that would have prevented asylum seekers from staying at the Bell Hotel past September 12.

Lord Justice Bean, alongside Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, sided with the Home Office and the property owner, Somani Hotels.

The panel determined that the Home Secretary possesses a "clear statutory duty" regarding asylum seekers, making the department "plainly directly affected" by the matter.

The original injunction had been secured by Epping Forest District Council after Mr Justice Eyre concluded that Somani Hotels had "sidestepped public scrutiny and explanation" by housing asylum seekers without proper planning permission.

Government lawyers had argued that blocking individual sites would merely shift capacity requirements elsewhere.

Mr Tice outlined Reform UK's alternative approach to asylum accommodation, advocating for "detention camps in remote locations" rather than hotels.

He argued that asylum seekers should be "rapidly processed and rapidly denied their asylum claims so they can await deportation."

The politician characterised those crossing the Channel as "illegal migrants" who "have broken our domestic laws."

He criticised the Government's failure to implement what he considers appropriate measures, forcing continued reliance on hotel accommodation.

"That's what should happen, but because this Government won't do it they're having to use these hotels," Mr Tice stated, describing the current arrangement as "deeply untenable."

His proposals represent a stark departure from current policy, emphasising immediate detention and swift removal procedures for those seeking asylum in the UK.

The Bell Hotel has become a focal point for community tensions, with numerous demonstrations occurring in recent weeks.

Both residents opposing the asylum accommodation and counter-protesters supporting the asylum seekers have gathered at the site.

The protests intensified following criminal charges against some hotel residents. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu faces accusations of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, while Mohammed Sharwarq has been charged with seven offences.

The facility has intermittently accommodated asylum seekers since May 2020, with the current cohort of 138 individuals arriving in April 2025.

Labour has pledged to shut all asylum hotels before 2029, with Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasising the need for a "managed and ordered" closure process.

Recent Home Office figures indicate 32,059 asylum seekers were residing in UK hotels by June's end.