Protesters clashed with police as demonstrations against hotels housing asylum seekers took place across the UK in towns and cities including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, Horley and Canary Wharf. Counterprotests organised by Stand Up to Racism occurred in multiple locations. In Bristol mounted police separated rival groups and a dispersal zone was authorised, remaining in place until 7am Sunday. In Horley around 200 anti-immigration protesters draped in flags clashed with roughly 50 anti-racism demonstrators, with chants welcoming refugees met by abuse. The high court granted Epping Forest district council a temporary injunction related to the Bell hotel amid ongoing local protests and a government appeal.
In Bristol, mounted police were brought in to separate rival groups in the Castle Park, with officers scuffling with protesters. Police have authorised a dispersal zone, allowing officers more powers to move groups or individuals causing harassment, alarm or distress to others. It will remain in place until 7am on Sunday. In Horley, about 200 anti-immigration protesters draped in St George and union flags clashed with roughly 50 Stand Up to Racism protesters in Bonehurst Road.
Saturday's events come amid continued tension around the use of the hotels for asylum seekers. On Tuesday, the high court granted Epping Forest district council a temporary injunction to remove asylum seekers from the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex, from 12 September. Regular protests had been held outside the hotel in recent weeks after an asylum seeker was charged with trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl, which he denies.
#asylum-seeker-accommodation #anti-immigration-protests #counter-protests-stand-up-to-racism #police-dispersal-orders
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