Protesters gathered outside the Thistle City Barbican hotel in London to counter opposing views on its use as Home Office accommodation for asylum seekers. About 100 people protested against the hotel, with claims that counter-protesters were paid by the Labour government. In contrast, hundreds participated in a counter-protest organized by Stand Up to Racism, supported by Jeremy Corbyn. Many counter-protesters expressed solidarity with asylum seekers, sending messages of support while individuals inside the hotel observed the events from their windows.
One speaker at the anti-hotel protest claimed counter-protesters had been paid by the Labour government and the trade unions to attend. Some of those who gathered across the road from the hotel wore Mega (Make England great again) hats and one man was heard chanting Get these scum off our streets towards the hotel.
Directly outside the hotel, hundreds attended a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism and supported by former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, far outnumbering the anti-hotel protesters.
Sarah Bailey, a retired 63-year-old, held a sign that said: To everyone in the hotel, you are valued, wanted [and] welcome. She thought it was important to send a positive sign to those inside.
Protesters organized by a number of individuals under the banner Thistle Barbican needs to go locals say no, were counter-protested by groups including Stand Up to Racism.
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