A Kent MP has revealed he was completely unaware dozens of asylum seekers were going to be moved to his constituency until just hours before the transfer.

A total of 130 people were transferred by the Home Office to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone Harbour after overcrowding problems at another hotel where they were staying in Croydon, South London.

But Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins said he was "shocked" to receive a call just before they were moved on Tuesday evening.

Now, Mr Collins says the situation cannot be repeated after speaking with the immigration minister James Brokenshire.

Speaking outside the hotel yesterday, Mr Collins said: "Yesterday afternoon he reassured me that all will be moved in two weeks and some have gone already.

"I was shocked that we ended up in this position with no notice and I asked [the minister] how it happened.

"Ministers were not involved in the decision, it was officials from the Home Office. If they were I don't think it would've happened.

"I hope we won't be in a position to do this again and I think there was a failure which we've highlighted to the minister.

"We don't want to be in this situation again and I'll be raising this in the Home Office questions when parliament returns on October 13."

Mr Collins said that the cost of the transfer is being borne by the Home Office and not local authorities.

He reassured the community that it was only ever intended to be a short term measure.

The arrivals are staying at the hotel following problems at another hotel where 600 were being put up at in Croydon while their applications were processed.

"I was shocked we ended up in this position with no notice. There was a failure which we've highlighted. We don't want to be in this situation again." Damian Collins MP

The others have been moved to other locations around the country.

He added: "While they are here they won't be a drain. Health care if they need it will be from an asylum centre."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The UK has a proud history of offering sanctuary to those who need it.

"We have made clear to our providers that the use of hotels is only ever acceptable as a short-term measure and they must make alternative forms of accommodation available as a matter of urgency.

"The Grand Burstin Hotel will be used for a maximum of two weeks and we have instructed providers to reduce the number staying there as soon as possible. We are working closely with Shepway District Council, who will be kept fully informed."

Shepway District Council says anyone with concerns can call them on 01303 853000.