Protests against hotels housing asylum seekers have erupted across the UK, leading to clashes with police and counter-demonstrations. Events took place in multiple English towns and cities, including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Horley in Surrey and Canary Wharf in London. Protests also occurred in Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland, and Mold in Wales.
In Bristol, mounted police were deployed to separate rival groups in Castle Park, with officers scuffling with protesters. Avon and Somerset police arrested a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. A dispersal zone was authorised, granting officers additional powers until Sunday morning. In Liverpool, 11 arrests were made for offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault and affray, as a UK Independence party protest faced a counter-demonstration.
In Horley, Surrey, approximately 200 anti-immigration protesters draped in St George and Union flags clashed with around 50 anti-racism demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism. The counter-protesters chanted slogans welcoming refugees and held signs calling for solidarity and an end to deportations. They faced verbal abuse from the anti-migration group, including a megaphone insult.
In Perth, supporters of the 'Abolish Asylum System' protest were met by Perth Against Racism. Stand Up to Racism Scotland reported over 200 people gathered to oppose the protest, claiming a 'victory' in the city. Tensions have been ongoing over the use of hotels for asylum seekers, with legal challenges emerging. Epping Forest district council recently obtained a temporary injunction to remove asylum seekers from the Bell hotel in Epping from 12 September, following regular protests after an asylum seeker was charged with trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl—a charge he denies. The government announced plans to appeal against the high court's refusal to intervene and against the injunction itself, while other councils are seeking legal advice for similar actions.
