MP hits back at “shameful” newspaper article
06/10/2025
Sean Woodcock says the article is a misrepresentation of the town
Banbury’s MP has hit back at a national newspaper article which described Banbury as a “crime ridden town”. Sean Woodcock branded the piece “shameful”.
Reporters from the Daily Mail spoke to a number of people in Banbury and wrote of “mounting concern” about the number of migrants in the town, noting the use of the Banbury House Hotel as asylum seeker accommodation.
The paper’s reporter visited St Mary’s churchyard where they said they saw empty whisky bottles and cans of cider on the church steps and graves, and wrappings and price tags from shoplifted goods.
They also claim to have witnessed a drug deal taking place in People’s Park.
The article appears to come in the wake of the police investigation into an alleged gang rape in St Mary’s Church, which police later said they had found no evidence had actually happened.
Mr Woodcock told Banbury FM: “This is a shameful article that is a misrepresentation of the town.
“Despite what the article says, Banbury is a safe town but like any other place has issues relating to anti-social behaviour.
“I am in constant contact with the police and the local council and have not had any concerns raised about asylum hotels.
“I know some local people are worried about them, which is why the government plans to stop using hotels, which I wholly support.
“I am not going to be drawn into the most recent incident and would refer to the most recent police statement. Even the Mail story accepts that the previous rape was not connected to the hotel.
“All rape and violence against women and girls is horrific and should be condemned.
“The Daily Mail story, by appearing to attempt to make a link without any evidence, is disgraceful and does nothing to help deal with violence against women and girls.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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