Nigel Farage has led a protest outside the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex, where asylum seekers are being housed. The demonstration comes after the Court of Appeal ruled that the Home Office can continue using the hotel to accommodate asylum seekers, overturning a previous injunction that would have forced their removal.
Epping Forest District Council leader expressed frustration at the ruling, stating: 'We saw yesterday the government say that asylum seekers have more rights than my residents. I’m really cross with this ruling.' The council plans to pursue a final injunction in October, with a full hearing scheduled for mid-October.
Essex Police warned protesters not to travel to Epping after a protest in nearby Cheshunt, where a group wearing facemasks and balaclavas was seen. A Section 60AA order was put in place in Epping, giving police powers to require the removal of items used to conceal identity.
Conservative politicians criticised the government's decision, with Kemi Badenoch saying Keir Starmer 'puts the rights of illegal immigrants above British people', and Robert Jenrick stating there is 'no acceptable accommodation for illegal migrants'.
