Tensions over migrant hotels have boiled over as demonstrators on both sides of the issue gathered at buildings housing asylum seekers in major UK cities.
Nine arrests have been made in London where anti-racism protesters breached conditions imposed on rival demonstrations by police. Scotland Yard wanted anti-migrant hotel protesters and the anti-racism counter protesters to stick to two separate areas near the Thistle Barbican City Hotel in Islington on Saturday (August 2).
But London’s Metropolitan Police said nine arrests were made, including seven on suspicion of breaching Public Order Act conditions. People believed to be migrants inside the Islington hotel waved and blew kisses at protesters in the street below.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people marched as part of a protest organised by Britain First in the centre of Manchester. A counter protest made up of activists from groups including Stand Up to Racism and the Communist Party was held at the same time. There were “brief clashes” ahead of the protests and two arrests made, according to Greather Manchester Police.
Anti-migrant and counter protesters also gathered in Newcastle city centre outside The New Bridge Hotel, which has also been used to house asylum seekers.
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Up to 600 protesters have marched with Britain First in Manchester. (Image: MEN)
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Manchester rally organisers hail protest as a ‘game-changer’
Britain First has described its march in Manchester as a “game-changer” for the group.
It said thousands attended and it was the biggest event Britain First has ever organised.
Police separate protesters and counter-protesters in Manchester (Image: Getty)
Four arrests during Newcastle protests, police says
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said four people were arrested during today’s protests in Newcastle.
They said: “While the activity mainly passed without incident, disappointingly, four people were arrested in connection with public order offences. All four remain in police custody.”
The spokesperson said the right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police upholds, but it would not accept people using protests as a means to commit crime or disorder.
Arrests after protests at hotel in Surrey, police say
Surrey Police has said about 100 people attended a protest outside the Stanwell Hotel in Spelthorne on Friday, during which a packet of lit firelighters was thrown at police.
A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson and inquiries are ongoing to trace another suspect, according to the force.
Officers also arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and aggravated trespass after a protest at the same location on Thursday evening.
Protest sites in Islington ‘clear’ and ‘returning to normal’, Met says
Scotland Yard has said things are “returning to normal” after counter-protesters breached conditions imposed by the force on the protests near the Thistle Barbican City hotel.
Conditions on the anti-asylum hotel protest included that anyone taking part had to stay in King Charles Square and the gathering was not to begin before 1pm and had to end by 4pm.
Police said conditions on the counter-protest included that participants had to stay in Lever Street near the junction with Central Street. That protest was not to begin before 12pm and had to conclude by 4pm.
The Met posted on social media about an hour ago that Lever Street was clear of protesters and King Charles Square was “returning to normal”.
Scotland Yard says some counter-protesters breached protest conditions (Image: MPS)
Police say scene is ‘returning to normal’ (Image: MPS)
Newcastle protest footage shows groups facing off
The video below was filmed in Newcastle earlier today. It shows protesters and counter-protesters in the city centre.
Newcastle: Protestors face counter-demonstrators
‘We won’t stop till we’re liberated’, Islington protesters chant
Unverified video from an X account appears to show anti-fascist protesters gathered together in a huddle in Islington, chanting “We won’t stop till we’re liberated”.
The clip was posted by Jack Hadfield, whose X account bio says he is a “Respected Newsman”.
Protesters’ chants led some sceptical X users to ask what they wanted to be liberated from.
In pictures: Islington migrant hotel occupants
The latest pictures from Getty show people inside the Thistle Barbican City Hotel gesturing to protesters on the ground below.
One image shows a man with his fists clenched and arms raised in the air, while another shows occupants giving the “V” sign.
A man gestures to protesters below (Image: Getty)
People wave from the windows (Image: Getty)
Nine arrests in Islington, Scotland Yard says
As of about 3.30pm, police said there had been nine arrests, including seven on suspicion of breaching Public Order Act conditions.
A group of anti-fascist protesters earlier blocked a junction outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel.
Officers pushed into the crowd to detain several people, dragging them out by their arms and legs.
The group was then moved from the road and officers told them they were in breach of conditions imposed on the demonstration. Officers then formed a circle around the protesters.
Protesters link arms near the hotel (Image: Getty)
Newcastle protests come as council seeks end to migrant hotel
Today’s protests in Newcastle come after council chiefs confirmed they were in active talks with the Home Office to end the use of a city centre hotel to house asylum seekers.
City council leader Karen Kilgour said on Friday that officials were speaking to the Government about ending The New Bridge Hotel’s use as asylum seeker accommodation, according to the Chronicle.
Anti-fascist protesters in the city centre (Image: Chronicle Live)
Anti-migrant hotel protesters in Newcastle city centre (Image: Chronicle Live)
‘No trouble of note’, top Manchester cop says
Ch Supt Colette Rose, Gold commander for today’s police operation in Manchester, said in a statement: “Today was expected to be a really busy day in Manchester with plenty of planned protest action from different groups in the middle of the city.
“We’ve had extra resources in place to ensure people could peacefully protest and to minimise disruption for the wider public.
“Thanks to the work of our officers on the ground and the plans we put in place alongside our partners, hundreds of people from different groups were able to gather in a safe manner with no trouble of note.
“Greater Manchester is a place where people should feel free to exercise their right to lawfully protest, while ensuring that those who live, work, or visit here can feel safe to go about their business and enjoy their day.”
Two arrests made before Britain First march set off, Greater Manchester Police says
Greater Manchester Police has said officers made two arrests before the start of Britain First’s march to the city centre.
A spokesperson from the force said today’s demonstrations passed peacefully. They added: “Two large planned protests involving hundreds of people gathered at St Peter’s Square in the early afternoon with no incidents of note.
“Officers ensured protestors were able to safely exercise their right to peaceful process, while minimising disruption for the wider public and the transport network in one of the city’s busiest locations.”
Newcastle protests wind down amid heavy police presence
The protests in Newcastle city centre appear to be dying down now too, according to Chronicle Live. The same publication reports that there’s been a heavy policing of the demonstrations, organised by groups opposed to the Government’s immigration policy and anti-racism campaigners.
Protesters at an anti-migrant protest in Newcastle (Image: ChronicleLive)
Manchester counter-protest winds down
The counter protest in Manchester also appears to be winding down, with protesters leaving. Police still remain for the time being, according to my colleague at the scene.
Britain First’s Manchester rally ends
The rally in Manchester organised by Britain First appears to have ended, with the group’s leaders and supporters appearing to be leaving now.
Pundit questions why Islington counter-protesters wear masks
Political pundit Lee Harris has posted video on social media showing some counter-protesters in Islington wearing masks.
He tweeted: I can’t get my head around this. Imagine getting masked-up to protest *against* locals who are concerned about high levels of crime and antisocial behaviour by illegals staying at the Thistle Barbican hotel. There is something wrong with these people”.
Harris shared footage showing counter-protesters in masks (Image: Lee Harris/X)
In pictures: Manchester protesters confront counter-demonstrators
These pictures show Britain First supporters and anti-racism activists facing off in the centre of Manchester.
“Remigration” march participants can be seen waving the flag of St George and Union Jack flags while counter-protesters hold placards, one of which reads: “I am a straight white male, I want you to f*** off”.
Britain First supporters look towards counter-protesters (Image: Getty)
Counter-protesters behind a police line (Image: Getty)
In pictures: Anti-racism protesters and police in Islington
The latest images from the Press Association news agency show anti-racism protesters and police near the hotel in Islington.
One image shows officers detaining a person dressed in black and wearing a mask.
Anti-racism protesters face police outside the hotel (Image: PA Wire)
A person is detained by officers (Image: PA Wire)
Manchester protesters wave Union Jack flags
The latest images from Manchester show a person in a white balaclava waving a Union Jack flag amid a crowd of protesters taking part in the Britain First March For Remigration.
For those just joining our coverage, leaders and supporters of the far-right group Britain First formed a “remigration” march through the city today. They were met with counter-protests from Stand Up to Racism and The Communist party.
Remigration protesters in Manchester (Image: Getty)
Islington counter-protester says he wants migrants ‘to feel safe’
A student counter-protester outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel said he wants migrants to “feel safe” in the UK.
Pat Prendergast, 21, said: “I want people to feel safe. I think the (rival protesters) over there are making people feel unsafe.
“I want to stand up in solidarity and say that, you know, we want people here. We want migrants. We want asylum seekers.”
Police separate rival protesters in Manchester
Recent pictures from Manchester show protesters and counter-protesters outside the city’s Central Library.
The two groups are separated by a line of police officers.
A line of police separate the rival groups (Image: Kenny Brown/MEN)
Manchester: Protestors and counter-protestors kept separated
Refugees come here ‘because we interfere in their countries’
Stand Up To Racism has said on X that Mohammed Kozbar, Chair of Finsbury Park Mosque, said at the Islington counter protest: “Refugees risk their lives to come here because we interfere in their countries!
“The far right target Black, Muslim, Jewish and Irish communities – they will come for others when they are finished with us!”
‘Keir Starmer’s a w*****’
Crowds outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle have been filmed chanting in support of Tommy Robinson.
Those gathered also sang: “Keir Starmer‘s a w*****.”
Another clip featured a group shouting “send them home” amid an apparent confrontation with police officers at the scene.
In the same footage, an individual seemed to be being restrained by police against a wall.
Islington hotel residents smile and wave from window
Video posted on social media apparently shows people staying in the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, known to be housing asylum seekers, smiling and waving from windows.
Some are making peace signs with their fingers. Protesters can be heard chanting: “Let in every refugee, throw the Nazis in the sea.”
The Express has not been able to independently verify the footage.
Police lines between Manchester protesters
MEN reporter Chris Slater writes that the counter-protesters are stood behind police lines and fencing on the other side of tram tracks.
He added: “They are chanting ‘Manchester is anti-fascist’ and ‘say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here’.”
20 minutes ago, he reported: “The Britain First rally is currently taking place outside Central Library.
“A woman on the microphone just said: ‘there will no violence, no rioting, no damage to property.’”
‘Wall’ of anti-fascists around Islington hotel
A “wall” of “anti-fascists” has been formed “protecting” the Thistle Hotel in Islington from the “far-right”.
@ali__samson wrote on X: “Asylum seekers inside showing their appreciation.
“Nothing getting through, city police have tried twice, gonna need more men fellas.”
Chants of “police protect the fascists” and “shame on you” could be heard.
Diane Abbott makes speech
Diane Abbott has made a speech in Islington.
She said: “It is so important that we’re on the street today, telling the racists and the fascists: they shall not pass.”
“We are better than them,” the MP added.
“London is a city built by migrants.”
Protesters gather in Newcastle
Anti-migrant and counter protesters have gathered outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle.
Video shows large crowds of both groups.
“Refugees are welcome hear,” one side shouts.
The other says: “Send them home.”
Police are also present to keep order.
Manchester protesters ‘few-hundred metres apart’
Both the British First group and the “anti-fascist” counter-protesters are now just a few hundred metres apart on opposite sides of St Peter’s Square in Manchester, the MEN reports.
Britain First have organised a protest they are calling a “march for remigration”.
They planned to march through the city centre before holding a rally in St Peter’s Square.
Photos show protesters in Islington
Rival groups of protesters have gathered outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London.
The two groups were separated by metal barriers and police.
People believed to be migrants watched from open windows inside the hotel as protesters chanted and banged drums in the street below.
Anti-migrant protesters have gathered in London. (Image: PA)
Anti-racism protesters have assembled also. (Image: PA)
Brief clashes in London
A large group of masked protesters dressed in black chanting “we are anti-fascist” appeared from a side street and marched towards the rival group outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London.
There were brief clashes before police rushed in to separate the two groups.
A noticeably smaller group of protesters waved union flags and held banners outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London.
“Get these scum off our streets”, one man chanted in the direction of the hotel.
‘Don’t touch me’
Footage shared online appears to show anti-fascist protesters clashing with what seem to be anti-migrant protesters.
One man can be heard saying “don’t tell me what to do” as another person tells him to walk.
Another man tells one of the protesters to take their mask off and not to touch him.
The anti-racist activists can be heard calling the men “babies”.
There have been confrontations in Islington. (Image: X: @ali__samson)
Anti-fascist protesters have taken to the street wearing masks. (Image: X: @ali__samson)
Islington atmosphere ‘lively’
“Anti fascists” are now adding to the protests outside The Thistle City Hotel Islington, @ali__samson said on X.
They added that the atmosphere is “lively”.
Video footage shows a police presence and a large crowd marching.
Some have their faces covered.
Tommy Robinson chants at march
The MEN reports that a speaker is playing “Land of Hope and Glory”, and there are chants in support of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson at the march in Manchester.
There is a large police presence in and around Piccadilly Gardens.
A counter protest is also being held in the city centre.
Manchester march underway
Video shows the march against asylum seekers in Manchester is underway.
Many are holding St. George’s and Union Flags.
It is thought there are up to 600 people in attendance.
Hotel residents watch out the window
Hotel residents are watching from the window as protesters gather outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in central London, which houses asylum seekers.
Supporters of local protest group “Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no” are in the area.
Protesters with Stand Up To Racism have also gathered.
Hotel residents watch on. (Image: PA)
Anti-migrant and anti-racism protesters have gathered. (Image: PA)
Video shows counter demo in Islington
Counter protesters in support of asylum seekers have gathered in Islington.
Organisers say they are outnumbering anti-migrant activists.
Diane Abbott has been spotted in the area.
‘500 to 600’ gathered for Manchester march
MEN reporter Chris Slater said on X: “I’m told there are currently between 500 and 600 people gathered on Wyre Street for the Britain First march.
“A large number of union flags are being waved and some smoke bombs have just been let off.”
He also described a large counter-protest in Piccadilly Gardens.
Protesters assemble in Manchester
Hundreds of people have gathered in Manchester city centre today for a march and rally. The gathered is organised by Britain First, with counter-protests also taking place.
Crowds were meeting outside Manchester Piccadilly railway station before a planned march towards Manchester city centre.
Large police numbers have been deployed to the scene. Counter-protests are being led by Stand Up To Racism, said the council.
Images show police lines beside one of the protest groups.
Counter protesters ‘vastly outnumber’ anti-migrant side
Dr Louise Raw says counter protesters are “once again vastly outnumbering the far-right” and are “standing up for refugees in Islington”
Police say there is an increased presence in the Clerkenwell area on Saturday where a protest against the use of a hotel to accommodate asylum seekers and a related counter protest are due to take place.
The protest against the use of the hotel was organised by local residents under the banner “Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no”.
‘Attempted arson’ arrest
About 100 people attended a protest outside the Stanwell Hotel in Spelthorne, Surrey, on Friday evening, during which a packet of lit firelighters was thrown at police, Surrey Police said.
A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson and inquiries are ongoing to trace another suspect, the force said.
Officers also arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and aggravated trespass following a protest at the same location on Thursday evening.
Plans to respond at other London hotels
The Met said:
In addition to the policing operation in Islington, plans are in place to respond to any protest activity in the vicinity of other hotels in London being used to accommodate asylum seekers.
Our approach there will be the same as that being taken in Islington, to protect the right to peaceful protest but to intervene decisively where offences take place.
Footage shows ‘migrants’ going into London hotel
Footage shared online shows a bus load of people heading into the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, London.
The person recording the clip says it is 1.33am on August 1.
The individuals can be seen carrying envelopes.
Local protest endorsed by outside groups
The Met says today’s protest in Islington against the use of the hotel for housing asylum seekers was organised by local residents under the banner WThistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no”.
The force added: “It has since been endorsed by groups from outside the local community which is likely to increase the number of people attending.
“A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by other groups, has been announced and widely publicised.”
Police update
The Met said in a post on X: “There is an increased police presence in the Clerkenwell area today where a protest against the use of a hotel to accommodate asylum seekers and a related counter protest are due to take place later.”
It added:
Public Order Act conditions are in place requiring anyone taking part in the ‘Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no’ protest to remain in the red area on this map which is King Charles Square. The protest must not start before 1pm and must conclude by 4pm.
The conditions also require anyone taking part in the counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism to remain in the red area on this map which is in Lever Street. That protest must not start before midday and must conclude by 4pm.
Asylum seekers ‘not responsible for Brits’ suffering’
Mr Haoussou, the director of survivor leadership and influencing at Freedom From Torture, said:
I think the most important message is that we are a very vulnerable group of people, that we don’t have much protection, but we are not the cause of people suffering in this country.
We are not coming, taking people’s food, taking people’s job, taking people’s houses, all those kind of misinformation.
I think those people that they need to ask a question about why, what is happening with the economy, with the society, is those sitting at Westminster.
‘Conditions for disorder’ still there
The build up of “anger, prejudice and misinformation” that led to disorder across the UK last year is still there and could escalate again under the right circumstances, an anti-fascist organisation has warned.
Hope Not Hate’s director of research Joe Mulhall said it is a “very, very febrile time”, as he described the 2024 summer disorder as the “most widespread period” of far-right violence in post-war Britain.
Last year disorder spread in some parts of the UK in the wake of the Southport murders on July 29, after false rumours were spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.
MP and council say seaside town ‘not suitable’ for asylum seeker hotel
The MP for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe, and the area’s local authority have said their area is not “suitable” for the housing of illegal migrants.
The letter added that it wanted to send a “clear message” to the Government, and the seaside town should not be turned into a “dumping ground”.
It also warned that, if it were decided to house asylum seekers in the area, this would be fought “every step of the way”.
Fear of ‘new wave of riots’
Brits have been warned that the country could descend into a new wave of riots “within a month”, as “serious societal division” over the migrant crisis threatens to spark more violence.
Extremist Expert Dr Daniel Allington from King’s College London told GB News that he would be “pleasantly surprised” if the UK doesn’t “see riots anywhere … in the next month”.
“It is a likelihood, I hope it doesn’t happen, but I expect that it will,” he added.
The country was gripped by unrest last year after children were murdered in Southport. (Image: Getty)
Police called to former Holiday Inn
Police were called to the former Holiday Inn, now The Kings Gap, in Hoylake on Tuesday night (July 29) after social media reports claimed that the Home Office had “unilaterally” decided to shift the hotel’s use from housing asylum-seeking families to single males.
Relocations were rumoured to be starting later in the week.
Wirral Council is said to have “strongly opposed” the change in use of the premises, while local residents are said to be angry over what they see as a “lack of transparency and communication” on the issue.
Migrant surge ‘devastating’ Albanian town
The UK’s migration crisis is having social consequences for the town of Has in Albania, it has been reported.
When teenage boys leave school, often refusing to enter the sixth form, they say goodbye to their teachers with the words, “see you in London”, the Mail writes.
In the centre of the town, girls wander around with nothing to do.
“They just chill all the time and look at their nails or mobile phones,” one bartender said.
“They don’t need to work because their brothers send them money from England.
“Meanwhile, the boys they should be courting or marrying are all in England too.”
In 2022 alone, 13,000 Albanians entered the UK illegally. (Image: Getty)
‘Fear hasn’t left’ asylum seekers
Asylum seekers are “exhausted” and for many “the fear never left” following the summer disorder last year, a charity boss has said.
Hotels housing asylum seekers were among the targets which saw protests and disorder in the wake of the Southport murders on July 29.
It followed false rumours spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat.
Conditions on Islington protests
The Met said conditions on the anti-asylum hotel protest include that anyone participating must remain within King Charles Square and that the assembly must not begin before 1pm and must conclude by 4pm.
Police said conditions on the counter protest include that participants must remain in Lever Street, near the junction with Central Street, and that the assembly must not begin before 12pm and must conclude by 4pm.
Hotel to ‘only house male asylum seekers’
Locals descended on the Stanwell Hotel near Heathrow Airport on July 31 as the Home Office changed plans for an asylum seeker hotel.
The building announced it was changing from being a mixed accommodation hotel to one only for male asylum seekers.
Footage from the scene showed residents chanting “protect our kids”.
Protests across south of England yesterday
Anti-migrant demonstrators gathered against anti-racism counter-protesters yesterday evenings outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Hampshire.
Protests also occurred in Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth.
In Southsea, counter-protesters held up signs reading “Refugees welcome”.
Counter-protest in Newcastle
In a statement, the organisers of the counter protest at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle said:
Yet again far-right and fascist thugs are intent on bringing their message of hate to Newcastle.
They aim to build on years of Islamophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and scapegoating.
In Epping and elsewhere recently we have already seen intimidation and violence aimed at refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
Newcastle, like the rest of the North East, has a well-earned reputation for unity in the face of those who seek to divide us.
Whatever problems we face, racism and division are not the answer.
Plan to ‘put asylum seekers in brand new £250k flats’
Anti-migrant protests have broken out amid reported plans to house asylum seekers at a new apartment development in Hampshire.
More than 1,000 protesters gathered in Waterlooville earlier this week as officials want to house 35 people in £250,000 flats above shops in the town, The Standard reported.
The accomodation will purportedly contain couples, or single parents with young children, with a single apartment supplied for a single woman.
Police in discussions with organisers
Chief Superintendent Clair Haynes, in charge of the policing operation in Islington today, said:
We have been in discussions with the organisers of both protests in recent days, building on the ongoing engagement between local officers, community groups and partners.
We understand that there are strongly held views on all sides.
Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely but intervening at the first sign of actions that cross the line into criminality.
We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to put conditions in place to prevent serious disorder and to minimise serious disruption to the lives of people and businesses in the local community.
Those conditions identify two distinct protest areas where the protests must take place, meaning the groups will be separated but still within sight and sound of each other.
Legal migrants join anti-asylum seeker hotel protesters
Legal migrants have slammed illegal immigrants travelling to the UK outside the Britannia Hotel in London.
One man from Hungary said: “Everybody’s an immigrant here, including myself… And it’s not anti-immigrants, it’s just anti-people that we don’t know who they are, you know?”
Another man said: “I’m a migrant. I came here in 1961, legally. And I’m very, very grateful for what this country has given me, and my family. And I’ve been very, very happy here, and I’m very proud of what Britain has done for the world.
“I think it’s actually the best country in the world, and people don’t like to say it, but why do you think so many people from all over the world want to come here?
“Even Hollywood stars, who don’t like Donald Trump come here.”
Protesters have gathered outside hotels in cities across the country. (Image: Getty)
Corbyn issues plea
Jeremy Corbyn has asked people to attend a counter-protest in Islington today.
He said: The fascists and the far-right are on our streets. They’ve been defiling our mosques.
“They’re attacking deparate people who are refugees and asylum seekers.”
