//…what is there in there to get repulsed and angry about?//
I think what there is to get angry about is this: Mr Martin has spent 30 years building up a thriving business (and it is a good place – I’ve been there). To accept the government’s offer he would have to cancel literally hundreds of weddings – they have bookings into 2025. He would also have to make most of his staff redundant. I think his anger stems from the fact that no research seems to have been done into the nature of his business, and the repercussions that would follow from accepting the offer. No consideration seems to have been given to the strong possibility that, although the deal was only for 12 months, it would more than likely be extended (because there is no sign of the Channel Crossings abating) and even if it wasn’t, the likelihood is that his business would have been permanently trashed. After all, who would trust a hotel to host their nuptials when it is fickle enough to accept a fast buck and dump the couple’s plans so unceremoniously?
Yes, he could have simply refused the offer and said no more. But what is happening across the country needs to be highlighted because many of those who seem to be welcoming these cross-Channel chancers so readily have really no idea the problems it is causing.
The argument will come “Cancelling your wedding is a small price to pay to allow a few asylum seekers some decent shelter.” It isn’t, as any bride and groom will tell you – especially if most of those people are not genuinely in need of asylum in the UK at all.
//Considering the fact that other hotels have accepted contracts with the Home Office how are its officials expected to know how individual owners will react? //
By doing a little research into the nature of the businesses they propose to trash. Or better still, by not seeking to negotiate such contracts at all with anybody.