Essex Police have warned protesters not to travel to Epping after a group was seen planning to move from a demonstration in Cheshunt. The warning comes after the Court of Appeal ruled that asylum seekers can remain at the Bell hotel in Epping, overturning an earlier injunction.
The Home Office successfully appealed the closure of the hotel, arguing that removing the men could damage the asylum accommodation system. The council had sought to stop the housing of dozens of asylum seekers at the site, but the ruling allows them to stay past 12 September.
Epping Forest District Council leader expressed frustration, stating: 'We saw yesterday the government say that asylum seekers have more rights than my residents.' The council plans to pursue a final injunction at a full hearing in October.
In response to the decision, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of 'putting the rights of illegal immigrants above British people.' Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick added that there is 'no acceptable accommodation for illegal migrants.'
Essex Police imposed a Section 60AA order in Epping, allowing officers to require the removal of items used to conceal identity, such as masks. The order is in place for 24 hours as the force monitors the situation.
