BEFORE former Harlow Council leader, Mark Ingall challenged Dan Swords on his “meeting” with members of a Facebook group called Harlow Says No over the placement of asylum seekers in Endeavour House, Labour councillors had a number of other questions touching on racism, community tensions and the treatment of asylum seekers.

Councillor Kay Morrison to Councillor Dan Swords (Leader of the Council):

Custom and practice regarding Home Office asylum-seeker placement consultations were previously dealt with by officers and not politicised. That policy appears to have changed.

Can you outline the changes, the rationale for those changes and who decided to make the changes?

Reply from Councillor Dan Swords (Leader of the Council):

I do not recognise these comments. All decisions are made in line with the constitution.

Councillor Lanie Shears to Councillor Joel Charles (Portfolio Holder for Public Protection):

On a video published on Harlow Council’s media channels on Tuesday 7th October 2025 Cllr Swords stated that the decision to not proceed to place 3 asylum seekers in Endeavour House (formally Redstone House) “would keep our residents safe”.

Can the portfolio holder for Public Protection outline in detail what threat to public safety has been averted?

Reply from Councillor Joel Charles (Portfolio Holder for Public Protection):

“One of the Council’s core missions is centred around strengthening community safety. It is the administration’s view that the Council must act swiftly to tackle any matter that could cause a flashpoint in community tensions.

The Leader of the Council has taken the position that placing asylum seekers in Endeavour House is not appropriate. That position is shared by the entire administration. Endeavour House’s location is not suitable to accommodate asylum seekers, and the building has previously had well-documented issues with fire safety.

It is important to stress that the principal reason for the position taken is purely based on the administration’s view that there is a lack of appropriate accommodation in Harlow for asylum seekers. Any suggestion that another motive has been the driving force behind the formation of the Council’s policy position is not true.

There is concern about the risk that tensions could spill over into public disorder if something triggers an escalation. The town has certainly not reached that point, but there is recognition that there are tensions in Harlow and surrounding communities.

Social media is being used by certain bad actors locally to stir up division and bring people together physically who share views that are objectionable.

That activity is being closely monitored by the police and other relevant bodies.

“The focus now should be to work together to de-escalate current tensions. Harlow is made up of many diverse groups of people. The Council takes its responsibilities as a community leader seriously and will challenge individuals, who are in the minority, that are determined to spread hate. Harlow is a resilient community because the majority of residents are fair-minded and uphold a shared set of decent common values”.

Councillor James Griggs to Councillor Danielle Brown (Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community):

I have been made aware that some residents are extremely concerned as to what they consider to be an escalation of tension, fear and anxiety caused by communications regarding the Home Office’s contractor ClearSprings’ consultation on asylum seeker placements within 2 bedrooms at Endeavour House (formerly Redstone House)

How will the council seek to restore community relations across the town, especially within our minority and faith groups?

Reply from Councillor Danielle Brown (Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community):

“The Council has a fundamental duty of care towards all its residents. A key

priority for us is to continuously work to improve the safety and well-being of everyone in our town.

We are committed, as always, to maintaining an inclusive town where all residents feel safe and valued.

It is our collective responsibility to reassure residents that Harlow is an inclusive community-orientated town. This reassurance can help keep feelings of anxiety in perspective. If any resident does have a specific concern or incident they need to report, I hope they do so promptly through the appropriate channels.

Council Officers and Councillors have been very active and visible in the community. We are committed to being approachable, and we strongly encourage anyone who feels worried or has a question to reach out to us directly.

“Open communication is vital to maintaining trust and an inclusive environment for all. And, of course, Councillor Griggs, if you have any suggestions for what more we could do, my inbox is always open”.