At least 19 councils across the UK have vowed to take legal action to remove asylum seekers from hotels, following a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned an injunction to evict 138 migrants from an Essex accommodation. The decision has sparked widespread protests and counter-demonstrations outside migrant hotels in towns and cities including Newcastle, Swindon, and Falkirk.
Reform UK has urged all 12 councils it controls to explore legal options against asylum hotels. Among them, West Northamptonshire council leader Mark Arnull stated that Friday's ruling did not alter his plans to shut down such accommodations, citing 'unreasonable and unsustainable strain on local services.' Other Reform-controlled councils include Durham, North Northamptonshire, Doncaster, Derbyshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, and Warwickshire.
At least four Labour-run authorities—Wirral Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Tamworth Borough Council, and Rushmoor Borough Council—have also pledged to take action. Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch encouraged Tory-run councils to 'keep going' in their efforts. Broxbourne and Spelthorne councils confirmed no changes in their plans, bringing the total to 19 councils.
Protests saw demonstrators waving England and Union flags, chanting 'send them back' and 'stop the boats,' while counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism rallied with chants of 'no hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.' In Falkirk, the Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures group held demonstrations outside the Cladhan Hotel, citing concerns over alleged crimes by residents.
