Marco Longhi was reacting to a statement released by Dudley MP Sonia Kumar about the Ladies Walk Centre which is currently a health and social care centre.
The future of the centre is uncertain because the lease is due to expire in 2026 and Ms Kumar sought clarification after speculation the building may become accommodation for asylum seekers.
A letter to the MP from Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, said: “I want to be clear that there are no plans to use the Ladies Walk Health Centre in Sedgley for asylum accommodation. Any claim to the contrary is wholly incorrect.”
Ms Kumar welcomed the news, saying: “I’m very pleased to have received this clear confirmation from the Home Office.
“The Ladies Walk Centre plays an important role in our community, and it’s vital that residents have accurate information about its future.”
The Ladies Walk centre in Sedgley. Picture Google free for LDRS use
Mr Longhi was deposed as Dudley’s Conservative MP by Ms Kumar for Labour at the 2024 general election and subsequently defected to Reform UK.
He said: “This Home Office ‘reassurance’ is slightly better than what we had before but I can’t pretend I’m completely convinced by this Labour government having ‘no plans’, especially after another day of small boat arrivals and Labour U-turning every five minutes.
“‘There are no plans’ is not the same as ‘we will not’.”
Mr Longhi also said Ms Kumar acted after he called for contact with the Home Office to answer asylum hotel speculation.
Speaking after a public meeting about the centre in May, Mr Longhi said: “There are clearly rumours out there the building could be used for other purposes.
“Nobody knows except for the Home Office and the Home Secretary whether that is going to be used for immigration so I did ask the sitting MP if she could write to find out the facts.
“I was accused of being divisive. All I want is information and when the information is out there, there is no reason to speculate any further.”
Meanwhile, Dudley Council said negotiations on the future of the Ladies Walk Centre are at an advanced stage.