Lee Anderson offers blunt 5-word verdict on Docklands ‘migrant hotel’ after angry protests
Police reportedly moved counter-protesters for their own safety as tensions flared last night.
Lee Anderson has said he has confirmation that a four-star hotel in London’s Docklands will soon be used to house asylum seekers, angrily asking: “What are we playing at?” The Reform MP for Ashfield shared a clip in which he said the situation made him “absolutely furious” as he demanded answers from the authorities.
Monday night’s protest saw dozens of demonstrators gather outside the Britannia International hotel waving flags, shouting slogans and clashing briefly with counter-protesters. A significant police presence, including at least 12 tactical support vans and a helicopter overhead, was dispatched to the scene. Police reportedly moved counter-protesters for their own safety as tensions flared.
Lee Anderson asked: ‘What are we playing at?’ (Image: Lee Anderson/Conor Wilson)
Speaking outside the hotel, Mr Anderson delivered a scathing assessment of what he had seen and heard on the ground.
He said: “I just spoke to the local commander and he tells me the rooms are being prepared to accept asylum seekers.
“Absolutely furious…this hotel here, by the way, must cost a couple of hundred quid a night to stay here.
“Most normal people in this country would not even be able to afford to come and stay here for a weekend but illegals are coming in.
Tense scenes outside the Britannia Hotel in Docklands (Image: Conor Wilson)
“I hope the protests remain peaceful and we don’t get any bother, they seem like a quiet bunch at the moment. Let’s hope it’s all peaceful.”
Mr Anderson shared his clip on X, adding: “500 rooms here. What are we playing at?”
Speaking to Express.co.uk subsequently, Mr Anderson reiterated that he had told directly that rooms were being prepared to accept asylum seekers.
However, Home Office has told Express.co.uk that the only update they can provide at present is that there are “currently” no asylum seekers at the Britannia Hotel.
When asked if there were plans to house people there in the future, a spokesperson said they “can’t confirm that”, and repeated that “at the moment, there are no asylum seekers residing there”.
Express.co.uk has also contacted Britannia Hotels for comment.
Booking websites indicated that the hotel was not taking reservations at this time, and videos posted online show tourists being turned away at the entrance, with beds being moved in on Wednesday morning.
In addition,a spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: “We are aware of the Government’s decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.”
It is not possible to book a room at the hotel (Image: Booking.com)
The incident in Canary Wharf follows a wave of protests in recent weeks, most notably in Epping, Essex, where there were angry scenes at the weekend and several arrests.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that police had actually escorted the counter-protesters to the site in the first place.
Protests at hotels believed to house asylum seekers have surged since early July, reflecting broader unrest over the government’s handling of illegal migration and asylum accommodation.
Many demonstrators express frustration over the perceived prioritisation of migrants over British citizens when it comes to housing and public resources—concerns which figures like Mr Anderson have echoed in Parliament and on social media.
The government has pledged to end the use of hotels by 2029, claiming the current system costs taxpayers £8 million a day.
David Lammy arrives for a Cabinet meeting at Number 10 (Image: Getty)
This year has also seen the UK record more than 15,000 small boat crossings in just over six months, according to the latest Home Office data.
Despite new legislation and increased cooperation with French authorities, crossings continue at a steady pace, with 282 arrivals recorded on Sunday alone.
The Government has also introduced new sanctions targeting international people-smuggling gangs.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy declared: “We know who you are, and we will work with our partners around the world to hold you to account.”
