Craig Smith, the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for North West Leicestershire, has met with Rishi Sunak to discuss the use of local hotels to accommodate small boat migrants in the constituency.

Mr Smith took the opportunity to highlight the use of hotels in small villages and the negative impact that such accommodation is having on local communities.

After being invited to a meeting with the Prime Minister, he said: "Residents talk to me every day about the impact that small boat migrants are having on North West Leicestershire, I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Rishi and highlight the importance of getting local hotels back open as the vital community resources that they are.

"I know that tackling the small boat crisis is a top priority for the Government and I was delighted to get the chance to raise the issue at the very top of Government."

Coalville-based Mr Smith has pledged to continue raising the issue, saying: "Small boat migrants must be treated humanely within the rule of law, but Government must also be mindful of the impact they have on the lives of local residents when hundreds are placed in villages with limited prior notice.

"I'm pleased that the Government has committed to end the use of hotels as a matter of urgency."