Clashes have erupted outside a migrant hotel in London after men were seen trying to leave on motorbikes. Video footage shared online shows two people on motorbikes trying to drive out of a ring of fencing around the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, which has seen anti-migrant and counter-protests outside. Security opens a gap, before men outside the building attempt to close the fencing and keep the individuals from getting out. Both vehicles have L plates and appear to have containers attached to their rear.
This led to the person recording the clip to claim they were working illegally as delivery drivers. The Express cannot verify the veracity of the claim. One man can be heard shouting: “F*** off!” Security then tried to open the fencing again, but were pushed back by the men. “Look, it’s all kicking off now,” the observer said. The clip ends with the fence being closed once more. It comes after men were filmed walking into the hotel off a bus in the early hours of Friday. A video clip showed them holding what seemed to be brown envelopes and wearing similar clothing.
Political commentator Lee Harris said on X: “Delivery drivers have been filmed trying to leave the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf just ONE DAY after illegal migrants were bussed in *at night*. Locals are seen pushing them back.”
The Home Office said last month that a new agreement between the Home Office and Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats will “ensure delivery firms receive new information concerning the locations of asylum hotels to help tackle illegal working”.
Being able to make money so quickly is thought to be one reason migrants seek to travel to the UK on small boats.
Ministers said the Government’s plans will suspend more delivery riders caught sharing their accounts with migrants who have no right to work in the UK.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said at the time: “Illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals and fuels organised immigration crime. By enhancing our data sharing with delivery companies, we are taking decisive action to close loopholes and increase enforcement.
“The changes come alongside a 50% increase in raids and arrests for illegal working under the Plan for Change, greater security measures, and tough new legislation.”
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said on July 22: “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.”