MP calls for crackdown on ‘paedophile’ hotels

a YORKSHIRE MP has called for adults staying at hotels and B&Bs with children to be asked to prove they have a “legitimate” relationship in an effort to tackle grooming and sexual exploitation.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Jun 2013, 01:01 BST

Kris Hopkins, Conservative MP for Keighley, said there were numerous cases highlighted by police forces where hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses acted as “enablers” and had been used by paedophiles to take children whom they had groomed.

Mr Hopkins said the police should be given the powers to impose orders on certain hotels and B&Bs which were known locations for paedophiles. Landlords and hoteliers would then be forced to carry out checks on adults checking in with children and hand over information to police, he said.

Mr Hopkins asked for the intelligence-led measures to be introduced as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill.

Home Secretary Theresa May welcomed the idea and said her department would seriously consider it.

Speaking during the second reading of the Bill, Mr Hopkins added: “This is not a blanket ask but about specific accommodation based on knowledge.”