Scotland Yard has pledged to police planned protests outside a migrant hotel in London “without fear or favour”. A demonstration against the Thistle City Barbican hotel being used to house asylum seekers is due to take place on Saturday (August 2). The Metropolitan Police said the protest has been organised by locals and “endorsed” by groups outside the community, suggesting the numbers joining the protest would likely increase.
Counter-protesters from the anti-racism campaign group, Stand Up to Racism, and other groups have organised a separate action on the same date. Ch Supt Clair Haynes, who is in charge of the policing operation, said in a statement: “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.”
She said the Met Police understood there are strongly held views on all sides and powers have been used to put conditions in place to prevent disorder and minimise disruption.
Scotland Yard has said protesters and counter-protesters must stick to separate areas, but will still be able to see and hear each other.
The Met said plans are also in place to respond to any other protests around migrant hotels in the capital.
In a statement, the force said its approach would be to protect the right to peaceful protest, but to intervene “decisively” where offences happen.
Thistle City Barbican has hit the headlines in recent weeks after allegations emerged of crime and anti-social behaviour coming from the hotel.
Since 2021, the hotel has been in an exclusive contract with the Government to accommodate asylum seekers.
Reports said 41 migrants have been charged with over 90 offences in the past year, including theft and being in possession of crack cocaine, cocaine and diazepam.
Organisers of the protest against the hotel are calling for it to be closed and for an end to “migrant musical chairs”. Counter-protesters have said ahead of their protest that “fascists” are “not welcome in Islington” and refugees must be defended.
These latest protests come as actions have taken place in towns and cities across the country, including Norwich, Epping, Aldershot, Waterlooville and Canary Wharf in east London.
Bottles, smoke flares and fireworks were thrown towards police vehicles by protesters outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, during a series of protests last month. Demonstrators chanted “send them home” and “save our kids” as missiles were lobbed towards police vans.
Police officers were injured and scores of people were arrested in a policing operation which cost in excess of £100,000 in the Essex town alone.
The Met’s pledge to police with neither fear nor favour comes after Essex Police were forced to deny claims officers “bussed” counter-demonstrators to a protest outside the hotel during one protest in Epping.
The claims promoted a call from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for the force’s chief constable to resign. He had posted a video on X, saying: “This video proves EssexPoliceUK transported left-wing protesters to The Bell hotel in Epping. There is no way Chief Constable BJ Harrington can stay in position.”
But Essex Police issued a statement saying: “There are claims on social media that Essex Police officers ‘bussed’ protesters to the protest outside the Bell Hotel on Thursday 17 July. This is categorically wrong.” Essex Police’s chief constable, Ben-Julian Harrington, also refused to resign and defended his officers.
