Dozens of protesters gathered outside a hotel after a number of asylum seekers were told by the Home Office they will "shortly" be moved to Kent.

Demonstrators met at the site in North London on Tuesday afternoon, sporting banners saying "Refugees welcome here".

The move will see an unknown number of asylum seekers be moved to Napier Barracks in Folkestone.

A letter from the authorities estimates that asylum seekers could stay in Folkestone for up to 90 days, the PA news agency reports.

Just last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to stop using hotels for migrants and to begin using alternative sites to host asylum seekers.

Places such as disused holiday parks, former student halls and surplus military sites have all been eyed up as potential destinations for migrants.

Hornsey and Wood Green MP, Catherine West, has claimed she has written to the immigration minister, requesting any moves to be put on hold.

In a statement the Labour MP said: “This is a shameful way to treat vulnerable people just days before Christmas.

'No one will be moved if deemed unsafe for them'

“People have come here seeking sanctuary and are being supported by local health services, charities, faith groups and the council.

“To strip them away from this support without any warning or assessment of their needs is cruel and has caused huge anxiety for people who have already suffered unimaginable traumas.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Home Office continues to provide safe accommodation for destitute asylum seekers who need it as we work to end the use of hotels which are costing UK taxpayers almost £6million a day.

“Our accommodation contractor at Napier provide full-board accommodation which is safe, comfortable and meets our standards of service.

“Individuals housed in our accommodation may be moved to other locations in line with the Allocation of Accommodation guidance. No one will be moved if deemed unsafe for them.”