Sandown’s Premier Inn has rejected claims that asylum seekers are being housed there, as false rumours continue to circulate across social media.
Videos shared online in recent days have alleged that the top 2 floors of the Sandown hotel are being used to accommodate asylum seekers.
One of the videos states: “Premier Inn, Sandown, Isle of Wight. Housing migrants in two top floors. Confirmed by councillors.”
Island Echo has not been able to back up the claims that the occupation has been confirmed by local councillors. However, confirmation has been given by the manager of the seafront hotel that the allegation is untrue and that no asylum seekers are being housed at the premises.
The rumours have been described as “complete lies” and are said to be having an impact on staff working at the hotel.
Premier Inn has issued a formal and public response on X, stating:
“We do not have any hotels that house asylum seekers.
“We have never accepted this nature of business and nor do we have any plans to do so and for many reasons our hotels are unsuitable for these kinds of long-term stays.”
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The Sandown allegation is not the only claim of its kind to have circulated on Isle of Wight social media in recent weeks.
Rumours have also suggested that asylum seekers have been staying at Calverts Hotel in Newport, although Island Echo has seen no evidence to support that claim.
Information has also circulated that coachloads of asylum seekers recently travelled to the Island overnight on a Wightlink ferry, remaining onboard their coaches during the crossing before being taken to the Hillway area of Bembridge. Again, Island Echo has seen no evidence to substantiate those allegations either.
The Isle of Wight Council has previously confirmed that there is currently no asylum dispersal accommodation on the Island and that it is not aware of any Home Office plans to establish such accommodation.
Council Leader Councillor Jonathan Bacon addressed misinformation surrounding asylum seekers earlier this month after rumours intensified following an incident involving Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI crews in the English Channel.
Despite claims subsequently appearing on social media, those rescued during that incident were not brought to the Isle of Wight.
The latest rumours underline the consequences of unverified information being shared online as fact, particularly when named businesses and their staff become the subject of threats and abuse.
