Matthew has expressed grave concern over a triple stabbing which has taken place in Colindale. The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday 3rd November near Colindale underground station.

Matthew has repeatedly raised his concerns with the Home Office about one property in Colindale being used as an asylum hotel. Constituents have complained that residents of the hotel hang around the tube station and “seem uneasy, dangerous and under the influence of addictive substances.” New homes were built in this area to house local families but violence and crime rates have increased with gang fights and stabbings taking place leaving residents concerned for their safety.

In December 2021, Matthew wrote to the then Immigration Minister, Kevin Foster, and specifically raised the issue of this particular hotel as he was very concerned about the high number of people giving the hotel address who were contacting him about their asylum application.

This situation has continued. Given the furore over Marston Processing Centre and asylum seekers now being housed in whole hotels, and the violence which is now affecting his constituents, Matthew is calling on the government to provide appropriate accommodation in locations that have the necessary facilities instead of dumping hundreds of people anywhere they can find. 

Matthew said: "It is concerning, but not surprising, that violence has occurred. Asylum seekers should not be housed in locations where no services, facilities or amenities are available. There are a few fast food restaurants and coffee shops but nothing else to entertain people who have time on their hands as they are not allowed to work. Leaving people with nothing to do and nowhere to go is a recipe for trouble. 

"On several occasions I have asked the Home Office why asylum seekers are being accommodated en masse in a residential area that does not have the services and facilities needed for such people. I hope the Home Office now act on my previous warnings."