Summary
In Hull, the Royal Hotel has been used to house asylum seekers for several years. It became the focus of riots last summer, reflecting the ongoing debate in the UK over how to accommodate people arriving on small boats. Local opinions are divided, with some expressing support for providing shelter to asylum seekers, while others are concerned about the hotel's change in purpose.
Key Facts
- The Royal Hotel in Hull has housed asylum seekers for the past five years.
- Last summer, riots took place outside the hotel, with asylum seekers hiding inside for safety.
- Anei, a 27-year-old asylum seeker from South Sudan, was staying at the hotel during the riots.
- Home Office data shows that 32,345 asylum seekers lived in hotels funded by taxpayers as of March 2025.
- Some locals, like Gaynor, remember the hotel fondly and feel upset about its current use.
- Opinions in Hull are divided, with some residents supporting asylum seekers' housing and others opposing it.
- Shane, a local taxi driver, filmed an incident involving an asylum seeker trying to kick out a window at the hotel.
