Damien Moore MP for Southport slams confusion around Pontins asylum seeker plan

Today, local Southport MP Damien Moore has appeared on BBC News to slam confusion caused by
Sefton Council and the Home Office around proposals to house asylum seekers, including children
and families, at Pontins.

On Thursday, Sefton Council issued a comment saying the Home Office had assured them that
asylum seekers would not be housed at Pontins, and that they were awaiting confirmation in
writing.

However, when Mr. Moore spoke with the Home Office this morning, he was told that there
was “no update” on the proposal, and that Pontins was still under consideration. Mr. Moore has
subsequently submitted a letter to the Home Secretary to ask for clarification on the situation.

With the Home Office maintaining that there was “no update”, Mr. Moore continues to stand up for
his constituents against the Pontins proposal, and today appeared on BBC News, BBC Radio 4, and
BBC Radio Merseyside to call on the Home Office to clarify the situation, and to provide confirmation
to him in writing that this proposal will not proceed.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said:
“I am aware that Sefton Council have claimed that they have been assured by the Home Office that
Pontins will not be used to house asylum seekers. However, when I spoke with the Home Office this
morning, I was merely told that there has been ‘no update’.

“It is absolutely wrong to consider bringing asylum-seeking children and families into Ainsdale when,
due to Sefton’s children’s service’s “inadequate” Ofsted rating, children are already not getting the
help they need and deserve.

“The Council’s own risk assessment clearly shows the problem of putting 3,000 asylum seekers into
Pontins, some 25% of Ainsdale’s population. This is absolutely disproportionate, as I have made clear
in numerous meetings, letters, and questions to the Home Office and the Department for Education.

“We must defend our town’s children, our local economy, and our community. Until I receive written
confirmation from the Home Office that asylum seekers will not be housed at Pontins, I will continue
to do all I can to stand up against this completely inappropriate plan, and to ensure that my
constituents, and particularly our town’s children, get the support they need and the quality of life
they deserve.”