Protesters surrounded an empty hotel in London's financial district on Tuesday after false online rumours suggested it was being used to house migrants from a hotel in Essex where riots have broken out. The Home Office has earmarked more than 400 beds at the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, at a cost of £81 per night per person, but the building currently sits empty.
The protests were fuelled by social media claims that asylum seekers were being transferred from the Bell Hotel in Epping, which has seen violent demonstrations over the past few days. Ten people have been arrested in connection with that disorder, which began after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was among those who spread the misinformation online.
Reform MP Lee Anderson attended the Canary Wharf protest and warned of “an influx of illegal migrants”, further stoking tensions. Charities condemned his actions. Charlotte Khan of Care4Calais said MPs who spread misinformation “should be held accountable for their role in encouraging violence and racism”. Nathan Phillips of Asylum Matters said it was “disgracefully dangerous and utterly irresponsible” for an elected official to encourage such protests.
Essex Police made 10 arrests after more than 500 people gathered outside the Bell Hotel, with rioters attacking police vans and injuring a police officer. Two security guards were also attacked at a bus stop. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington thanked those who protested peacefully but warned that violence would not be tolerated. The demonstrations come as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned of a repeat of last summer's riots unless the government addresses public concerns over immigration and economic insecurity.
