Protests and Arrests at Hotels Housing Asylum Seekers in the UK
Protest activities have taken place across the UK, targeting hotels that house asylum seekers. These demonstrations have led to arrests and heightened police presence, particularly near the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf. The situation has become a focal point for tensions between groups with opposing views on immigration and refugee policies.
On Friday evening, there was a significant police presence at the site in central London, with officers working to separate rival protest groups. This comes as the Metropolitan Police prepares for another round of demonstrations, including a planned protest and potential counter-protest outside the Britannia Hotel on Sunday. The events are part of broader nationwide protests under the “Defend Refugees, Stop the Far Right” campaign.
More than 100 individuals participated in a demonstration organized by Stand Up to Racism in Canary Wharf. Meanwhile, approximately 100 counter-protesters gathered, waving Union flags and St George’s Cross flags. During the event, one protester was arrested after throwing a bottle at police officers. Another member of the counter-protest group was detained for not removing a face covering.
Following these incidents, the police imposed conditions under the Public Order Act, requiring counter-protesters to remain on the pavement opposite the hotel. Authorities stated that these measures were necessary to prevent serious disorder during the protests.
Sabby Dhalu, co-founder of Stand Up to Racism, highlighted the significance of the protests, noting that this weekend marks the largest number of demonstrations targeting refugees since last year’s racist riots. She emphasized the need to combat far-right aggression and prevent a recurrence of violence and attacks on communities.
Safia Jama, chief executive of the Women’s Inclusive Team charity, expressed concerns about her safety in Tower Hamlets. She mentioned feeling less secure due to the presence of counter-protesters, especially as they are primarily men. Jama stressed her commitment to defending her community against negative portrayals and ensuring that the borough is recognized for its safety.
From the perspective of the counter-protesters, Susie, a resident of Canary Wharf, voiced her fears about asylum seekers being housed in a local hotel. She mentioned carrying a personal alarm when walking her dog, citing concerns over potential mugging or sexual assaults. Susie criticized the government’s decision to locate a migrant hotel in Canary Wharf, calling it unwise and suggesting that asylum seekers are inherently criminals due to their illegal entry into the country.
Protests organized by Stand Up to Racism took place in various locations across the UK, including Islington, London; Portsmouth, Southampton, and Aldershot in Hampshire; Hoylake in Merseyside; Barry in Wales; Leicester in the East Midlands; Altrincham in Cheshire; Bournemouth in Dorset; and Birmingham in the West Midlands.
In Altrincham, a GB News journalist faced an incident while attempting to interview anti-racism protesters. Sophie Reaper, a North West reporter for GB News, was struck by a metal pole. A spokesperson for GB News confirmed that she was unharmed and had reported the incident to the police.
In Epping, Essex, police implemented restrictions under the Public Order Act, instructing protesters to remain behind metal fencing. However, some women waving Union flags and St George’s Cross flags reportedly broke through the barriers and sat on the road outside the Bell Hotel. While the protest was described as peaceful, one man was arrested after an officer was struck by an object, and another was detained on suspicion of breaching court bail conditions.
A peaceful protest also occurred outside the Brook Hotel in Norwich, Norfolk. Norfolk Police Superintendent Wes Hornigold thanked attendees for making the event safe and peaceful, emphasizing the importance of balancing the right to protest with public safety and minimizing disruption.