London: A Welsh local politician claimed that the British government has "lost control" of its asylum system.
After his council's attempt to have a local hotel used to house more than 240 asylum seekers was unsuccessful in the High Court, Councillor Martyn Palfreman urged Westminster to "get a grip" on the asylum system.
Because the national system was "under incredible strain," according to the UK Home Office, protests broke out outside the Stradey Park Hotel in the Welsh town of Llanelli, which was being used to house asylum seekers.
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According to a spokesman, "The Home Office is committed to taking every step to reduce hotel use and minimise the burden on the taxpayer."
I would beg the UK government to regain control over the asylum system, which is clearly out of their hands, Palfreman told the BBC. The truth is that I don't know what will happen after the asylum seekers arrive in Llanelli.
We've been told in the past that they will arrive the following week, but we have no further information regarding the makeup of the group or the precise timing of their arrival.
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The High Court's decision on Friday was "disappointing," according to Dame Nia Griffith, a member of parliament for Llanelli, who also noted that it was "particularly upsetting for the residents who live close to the hotel."
Aled Edwards, the former commissioner for racial equality in Wales, told the BBC that in order to allay "irrational fears" and "address legitimate ones" regarding asylum seekers, a conversation with members of the community was necessary.
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He said, "I think it could become much better if we spend the time explaining to people what people's backgrounds are, what they can offer us, and what they can bring us. However, the global debate has a toxic quality that is not good.
