Anti-Asylum-Seeker Hotel Protests Spread Across UK Cities

Across the UK, a wave of protests has erupted over the housing of asylum seekers in hotels, with demonstrations occurring in numerous towns and cities including Solihull, Bristol, Liverpool, Perth, and Horley. Anti-migrant campaigners have gathered under slogans such as 'Abolish Asylum System' and have displayed nationalist symbols while sometimes antagonizing asylum seekers residing in these hotels. These protests have frequently been met with counter-demonstrations from anti-racism groups like Stand Up To Racism and the Merseyside Anti-Fascist Network, leading to police interventions to keep opposing groups apart and prevent violence. The protests intensified following a High Court ruling blocking a hotel in Epping, Essex from housing asylum seekers after an alleged sexual assault incident involving an asylum seeker, which the Home Office intends to appeal. Authorities have increased police presence and utilized powers to manage the protests and avoid disorder reminiscent of previous unrest tied to misinformation about migrants. Despite the tensions, some local councils, such as Bristol City Council, have stated they will not challenge government decisions to use hotels for asylum accommodation.