Labour MP Rachel Taylor has issued a stark warning over what she describes as 'fake news' circulating on social media about a supposed scheme to house 150 asylum seekers in Atherstone. In an open letter shared with constituents, the North Warwickshire and Bedworth MP stated that no such scheme exists and that no planning permission has been submitted for the alleged accommodation.
The warning follows the spread of Facebook posts claiming that Atherstone Town Council was involved in plans to accommodate 150 asylum seekers in the town. Taylor, who represents the area, said the posts contained 'doctored images' and were designed to spread 'fear and mistrust'.
MP's statement on fabricated posts
In a social media post, Taylor wrote: "Watch out for fake news. I am aware of fake Facebook posts being shared online claiming there is a scheme involving Atherstone Town Council to house 150 asylum seekers in Atherstone."
She added: "These posts are fake, the images are doctored, and no such scheme exists - with or without the town council's involvement." The MP urged residents to report the posts to group admins or encourage people to take them down, and directed them to read her full letter to the town council.
Letter to town council
In the letter, Taylor wrote: "I know there have been concerns raised about posts that have been circulating on social media suggesting that Atherstone Town Council is participating in an alleged scheme to house 150 asylum seekers in Atherstone."
She continued: "I want to state unequivocally that these posts are fabricated images and that there is no truth to the claims being made in them. As you know, Atherstone Town Council plays no role in asylum seeker accommodation and no such scheme exists - with or without the town council's involvement."
The MP highlighted that a building change of use requires planning permission, and members of the public can check this on North Warwickshire Borough Council's website. "No such requests for a scheme of this size in our area have been submitted," she confirmed.
Broader context and next steps
Taylor acknowledged "broader public concern about asylum seeker accommodation and the dysfunctional asylum system Labour inherited from the previous government." She stated: "Securing our borders, restoring control, and ensuring we have an asylum system that is firm but fair is one of my highest priorities as an MP, and I strongly welcome the important progress that is being made to achieve this."
The MP concluded her letter by expressing hope that it would provide reassurance and assist in tackling "social media misinformation that is undermining community cohesion and spreading fear and mistrust." She said she would share the letter on her Facebook page and in local groups to provide people with reassurance.
