Asylum hotel protests live: Government vows to fast-track deportations after new wave of anti-migrant demos – UK Times

Emma Taylor-Beale, who is protesting for Stand Up to Racism in Horley has demanded dignity and protection for migrants in the UK.

“I’ve got a heart for anyone who’s got a need and our migrant community deserve protection, they deserve dignity, they’ve been through enough,” she said.

She said she was not surprised at the number of anti-immigration protesters that had turned out to the demonstration, given what she had seen on social media.

Ms Taylor-Beale said: “This time last year when we had the riots in the summer, all of us showing support were the massive majority in Brighton and in Crawley, and the far-right were there, but they weren’t like the members of the public.

“This isn’t just the far-right, you can’t label everyone on that side who’s come out as far-right, I think people are buying into lies, they’re angry, they’re hurt and people have got a reason to be angry right now.”

She argued that economic inequality and the housing crisis was at the root of the divide.

On Saturday protests against the use of asylum hotels and counter-demonstrations took place – with police trying to keep the two groups apart.

Demonstrations under the Abolish Asylum System slogan were being held in major towns and cities around England, including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, Horley in Surrey and Canary Wharf in central London.

Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland and Mold in Flintshire, Wales, were also holding protests.

A separate batch of protests were organised by Stand Up to Racism in Bristol, Cannock, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wakefield, Horley and Long Eaton in Derbyshire.

Arrests were made in several locations with 11 protesters in Liverpool being arrested. Three people were arrested in Horley and a 37-year-old woman was arrested in Bristol on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

Setting the backdrop for the weekend of unrest is a crucial High Court case being fought between the government and an English council.

On Tuesday, Epping Forest District Council won an interim High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel, arguing it had become a “feeding ground for unrest” in recent weeks after a series of violent protests resulted in multiple arrests and saw police officers injured.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper made a last-minute attempt on Tuesday to halt their removal, arguing that other councils would make similar applications for migrant accommodation in their areas.

However, Mr Justice Eyre dismissed her application and has given the council until 12 September to move asylum seekers out of the hotel. Somani Hotels Limited, which runs the hotel, can apply to the Court of Appeal to try to reverse the decision.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the ruling as “a moment of relief for the people of Epping”, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was “a victory for the mums and dads” in the local area, “who just want their children to be safe”.

Three arrests were made at the protest outside the Four Points hotel in Horley, Surrey Police said.

Two of the arrests were made for reach of the peace and one for breaching the conditions of a community protection notice.

Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker said: “Our officers were outside the hotel this morning to support the public’s right to lawful protest. Unfortunately, while the majority of those present were protesting lawfully, there were some individuals whose behaviour became disruptive, and they were arrested.

“Officers were also present to minimise disruption to the local community. We appreciate that there was some disruption on the roads around the hotel while the protest was taking place and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience.”

Police made 11 arrests in Liverpool following a protest by UKIP and a counter-protest on Saturday.

People from different groups gathered outside St George’s Hall from around 11am this morning and there was a large police presence to ensure the safety of all those taking part and the wider public.

A march by UKIP began at around 1.20pm, but shortly afterwards the procession was directed back to St George’s Hall.

Police said they respect the rights of everyone to take part in a lawful and peaceful protests, but never tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour.

Arrests were made for offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault and affray.

Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “We will never tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour and despite the vast majority of people protesting lawfully, and peacefully, sadly there were a number of people who were arrested for various offences, including public order offences and assault.”

He added: “The police are often faced with the challenge of treading the fine line between upholding everyone’s rights to protest equitably, whilst endeavouring to keep the peace and ensure the public are safe. We plan ahead, in a co-ordinated way, to ensure we do this consistently, fairly and proportionately.

“We would like to thank members of the public and businesses in the city centre for their patience during the course of this event.”