Unidentified individuals in masks among those trying to gain access to a migrant hotel in London, leading to the arrest of five individuals.
In a series of events this weekend, protests and counter-protests over the housing of asylum seekers in hotels have taken place across the country, with demonstrations in West London, Epping, and other locations.
In West London, a group of masked men attempted to enter a hotel housing asylum seekers. However, there is no verified information about which organization or person supported these protesters. The Metropolitan Police reported that two anti-asylum groups marched to the Crowne Plaza at around noon, resulting in five arrests. Three migrant hotels in the city were also targeted by larger groups on Saturday afternoon. A group of masked men attempted to enter the Novotel in Cherry Lane via the rear entrance, but it is uncertain if any of the masked men were arrested.
In Epping, two men were charged over a demonstration at the Bell Hotel. Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker in a separate incident at the Bell Hotel, while Ross Ellis, 49, of Orchard Croft, Harlow, was charged with failing to provide a specimen. A third man arrested in connection with the Bell Hotel incident is still in custody.
The protests outside the hotels were generally peaceful for the vast majority of people. John McDonnell, the local MP, condemned the actions of the masked men and expressed support for the police officers.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, angry activists descended on a Falkirk hotel, where they were met by hundreds of counter-protesters and separated by police barriers.
Elsewhere, at least 13 other councils are considering pressing ahead with legal action over the use of asylum hotels in their areas. The government successfully overturned a temporary injunction that would have blocked asylum seekers from being housed at a hotel.
Protesters in various locations feel ignored by the government regarding the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels. Two officers suffered minor injuries during the incidents.
The police made five arrests in connection with the incidents at the Crowne Plaza, Novotel, and Holiday Inn in West Drayton. The government continues to defend its decision to house asylum seekers in hotels, citing the need for emergency accommodation during the ongoing pandemic.
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