Скачать или смотреть Asking the far-right if they're racist at an asylum hotel protest

A year after Southport, No 10 fears the UK is facing another summer of discontent.

A series of protests and counter-protests, led by Stand Up to Racism, have taken place outside asylum hotels outside across the UK. Some say anti-immigration protestors are concerned locals, others say they're far-right agitators.

Last month, disorder broke out during ant-immigration protests at the Bell Hotel in Epping, which was being used to house asylum seekers. The asylum seekers were relocated to Canary Wharf, attracting anti-immigration demonstrators.

PoliticsJOE went to Canary Wharf to investigate on Friday.

There was a heavy police presence and two arrests.

“One person protesting against the use of the hotel by asylum seekers has been arrested after a bottle was thrown at officers,” the Metropolitan Police said.

“A member of the counter-protest group has been arrested for failing to remove a face covering.”

Around a hundred demonstrators showed up to support each side, respectively.

After the arrests, police imposed conditions under the Public Order Act, with counter-protesters instructed to remain on the pavement opposite the Britannia Hotel.

Labour has pledged to end the use of asylum hotels as part of its immigration reform plan. The party argues that housing asylum seekers in hotels is costly, inefficient, and places undue pressure on local communities. Labour estimates that the current system is costing taxpayers millions of pounds each day. Instead, they propose speeding up asylum claim processing and establishing more suitable, long-term accommodation. Their plan includes hiring additional caseworkers to clear the existing backlog and introducing stricter enforcement against people-smuggling gangs. Labour also aims to strengthen international cooperation to manage migration and ensure safe routes for genuine refugees. The party criticises the Conservative government for failing to address the root causes of the issue and allowing the system to become overwhelmed. By replacing hotel use with more sustainable solutions, Labour claims it can restore public confidence in the asylum system while upholding the UK’s humanitarian responsibilities.

Reporter: Laura Beveridge
Videographer: Izzy Duffus

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