
Epping migrant protesters pop champagne after court victory sees asylum seekers face the boot from Bell Hotel
PROTEST PARTY Epping migrant protesters pop champagne after court victory sees asylum seekers face the boot from Bell Hotel
EPPING migrant protesters were seen popping champagne to celebrate a High Court ruling that will see asylum seekers booted out of the Bell Hotel.
Just hours after the landmark ruling was handed down protesters were seen rejoicing over the news.
7
Protesters enjoyed an alcoholic drink in celebration of their work
Credit: n.c
7
A man was seen pouring out drinks for protesters
Credit: n.c
7
Locals sprayed champagne into the air as they celebrated the ruling
Credit: n.c
A High Court judge granted Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction to block asylum seekers being housed in the Essex hotel.
The landmark move was widely celebrated and could spell an end to every migrant hotel, which are funded by UK taxpayers.
Protesters were seen rejoicing outside the hotel in Essex today, popping bottles of champagne, spraying the drink in the air and waving Union Jacks.
Crowds of local families and activists gathered outside the hotel as the news was passed down that migrants would now be booted out of the premises.
Families partying outside the hotel told The Sun the ruling will set a precedent for the other hotels across the UK.
'Send them home and protect our kids,' the growing crowd can be heard shouting and hundreds of cars have driven past honking their horns in support.
Champagne was popped and sprayed across the hotel sign, but the protest still remained relatively peaceful.
A few migrants made their way inside the hotel but not before anti- immigration protesters shouted at them to leave the area.
Men, women, teens and children screamed 'pack your bags' at the blank faced migrants as they were escorted into the hotel by police officers.
One jubilant protester told GB News: "I'm elated it has paid off. We've been protesting week after week and it's worked. I'm so happy.
Migrants to be kicked out of hotel at centre of protests in landmark ruling after asylum seeker's 'sex attack'
'Keep us safe. That's all we ask for.'
There were chants of "save our kids" as protesters waving Union Jacks and St George's Cross flags heard the ruling.
Protesters held up signs and placards declaring "we want Epping safe" and "clear them out" as they celebrated what they saw as a victory.
The ruling today was welcomed by Reform leader Nigel Farage, who said: "This is a victory for the parents and concerned residents of Epping. They do not want their young women being assaulted on the streets.
7
Dozens rejoiced outside the Bell Hotel in Epping Essex as the High Court ruling was handed down
Credit: n.c
7
The ruling came after weeks of protests outside the hotel
Credit: Getty
7
Protests were sparked when a migrant staying in the hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl
Credit: AFP
"This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far right, and have won. They represent the vast majority of decent people in this country.
"Young, undocumented males who break into the UK illegally should NOT be free to walk the streets anywhere. They must be detained and deported.
"I hope that Epping provides inspiration to others across the country."
Chris Whitbread, the leader of Epping Forest District Council, said he was "delighted" with the decision and called it "great news for our residents."
It comes after weeks of protests were sparked when a migrant staying at the hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Up to 2,000 activists had marched on the building in just one demonstration previously.
Some far-Right thugs joined some of the unrest and launched themselves on riot vans, smashed windshields and ripped off wingmirrors in senseless displays of "hooliganism."
A total of 28 people have been arrested in relation to disorder at the hotel, and 16 of them have been charged.
The hotel housed migrants from May 2020 to March 2021, then from October 2022 to April 2024.
The hotel's owners, Somani Hotels Limited, said the council never instigated any formal enforcement proceedings against this use.
In court Somani had argued that contracts to house asylum seekers had been a "financial lifeline."
Lawyers for the firm also argued that political views were no grounds for an injunction and branded the ruling "draconian."
The local authority argued that the Bell Hotel had breached planning regulations by failing to operate the premises for its designated purpose.
The ruling from Judge Mr Justice Eyre will force the owners of the Bell Hotel to remove migrants from the accommodation within 14 days.

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MORE councils are now trying to block migrants from hotels in their local area after being spurred on by the landmark Epping victory. The ruling from High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre will force the owners of The Bell Hotel in Epping to remove migrants from the site before September 12. 5 Police officers stand outside the The Bell Hotel Credit: AFP 5 Jubilant protesters gather outside the Bell hotel following the court victory 5 Protests had erupted outside the hotel after one of its guests was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl Credit: Reuters 5 Activists were seen celebrating after the court ruling yesterday Epping Forest District Council had launched the punchy legal challenge after protests erupted outside The Bell Hotel in recent weeks. Public anger grew after a migrant living at the hotel was charged with sexual assault. Now, a Mr Justice Eyre has ruled that the hotel might have breached planning rules by housing migrants at their site in Essex, rather than paying customers. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun that the court's ruling yesterday throws Labour's asylum policy into 'chaos'. Now, other local authorities appear to be following the example of the small Essex council. The Borough of Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire said it would take legal advice as a "matter of urgency" on whether it could undertake similar action. The local authority is seeking to remove migrants from The Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt, saying it had opposed their placement in the hotel "from the outset". At the time, the council was advised that action to prevent asylum seekers being housed in the hotel was unlikely to be successful. But now, spurred on by the success seen in Epping, the council plans to take legal advice ahead of taking action to remove migrants from the hotel. Corina Gander, Tory leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, said the Epping verdict had "given us this massive boost and precedent that we can do something now". Protesters arrested near migrant hotel after 'asylum seeker guest' arrested on suspicion of assault She will be writing to the Home Office in the wake of the High Court ruling today to seek an assurance that no asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping will be moved to Cheshunt. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also indicated the 12 councils where Reform UK was the largest party would consider legal challenges following Tuesday's ruling. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Farage said the local authorities would do "everything in their power to follow Epping's lead". He added: "The good people of Epping must inspire similar protests around Britain. "Wherever people are concerned about the threat posed by young undocumented males living in local hotels and who are free to walk their streets, they should follow the example of the town in Essex." Ahead of yesterday's court ruling, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper attempted to make an 11th hour attempt to get the case dismissed - but was refused by the judge. A lawyer acting for the Home Office had warned the decision to remove migrants would 'substantially impact' its ability to house asylum seekers in hotels across the UK. Edward Brown KC claimed it 'runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests'. Border Security Minister Angela Eagle said they would 'carefully consider' the judgment. She said: 'This Government inherited a broken asylum system, at the peak there were over 400 hotels open. We will continue working with local authorities and communities to address legitimate concerns. Our work continues to close all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament. 'We will carefully consider this judgment. As this matter remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.' Following the ruling, Leader of Epping Forest District Council Chris Whitbread hailed the temporary ban as an important victory for councils across the country. Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice, the Tory councillor said: 'This is a decision that's important to Epping Forest, but also important to have councils up and down the country, and it shows that the Government cannot ignore planning rules, just like no-one else can ignore planning rules.' He continued: 'One of the great things about Epping Forest, and one of the things I want to get back to, is Epping Forest is a great district and a great community, and there is so much that we can be proud of.' He added: 'This is only the start of a process and subject to appeal, we recognise that, but all things being equal, the Bell Hotel will be empty by September 12, and that's really important for the students, residents, businesses of Epping Forest. 'What we do have to be aware of, we have a responsibility now, and in recent weeks, we have seen the protests that started off quite violently become peaceful protests, run by the people of Epping Forest. 'What I call upon the residents tonight is if they decide to go outside the Bell Hotel, don't protest, don't over-celebrate. This is the beginning. It is not the end. 'We have a lot of work to do, and we will do everything we can, as I promised the full council, we will leave no stone unturned to work in the interest of Epping Forest. 'The Government have to address the bigger issue of the illegal asylum problem, but in Epping Forest, we will stand up for our residents and we will do our best on their behalf.' Not all councils, however, are pursuing the same path as Epping Forest. The leader of South Norfolk District Council, which covers the town of Diss where a hotel housing asylum seekers has also been the subject of protests, said the council would not go down the same route. Conservative leader Daniel Elmer said the council was using planning rules to try to ensure it was families being housed in the area rather than single adult males. He said to do so, which would effectively convert the hotels into hostels, should require a change of use. Two men were arrested and charged in connection with a protest in July outside the hotel in Diss, which houses more than 40 children. Cllr Elmer said: "We make a big play about integration, and to replace families who have children in the local school system and have integrated into the local community would make no sense." He added: "If we can punish people who have put up sheds in their gardens without permission, then we can take action against hotels being converted into hostels without planning consent." This comes as protesters were seen rejoicing outside the Bell Hotel in Essex today following the landmark ruling booting migrants out of the site. They were seen popping bottles of champagne, spraying the drink in the air and waving Union Jacks. Families partying outside the Epping hotel told The Sun the ruling will set a precedent for the other hotels across the UK. The ruling today was welcomed by Reform leader Nigel Farage, who said: "This is a victory for the parents and concerned residents of Epping. They do not want their young women being assaulted on the streets. "This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far right, and have won. They represent the vast majority of decent people in this country. 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The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Epping migrant protesters pop champagne after court victory sees asylum seekers face the boot from Bell Hotel
Protesters said they were 'elated' by the news PROTEST PARTY Epping migrant protesters pop champagne after court victory sees asylum seekers face the boot from Bell Hotel EPPING migrant protesters were seen popping champagne to celebrate a High Court ruling that will see asylum seekers booted out of the Bell Hotel. Just hours after the landmark ruling was handed down protesters were seen rejoicing over the news. 7 Protesters enjoyed an alcoholic drink in celebration of their work Credit: n.c 7 A man was seen pouring out drinks for protesters Credit: n.c 7 Locals sprayed champagne into the air as they celebrated the ruling Credit: n.c A High Court judge granted Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction to block asylum seekers being housed in the Essex hotel. The landmark move was widely celebrated and could spell an end to every migrant hotel, which are funded by UK taxpayers. Protesters were seen rejoicing outside the hotel in Essex today, popping bottles of champagne, spraying the drink in the air and waving Union Jacks. Crowds of local families and activists gathered outside the hotel as the news was passed down that migrants would now be booted out of the premises. Families partying outside the hotel told The Sun the ruling will set a precedent for the other hotels across the UK. 'Send them home and protect our kids,' the growing crowd can be heard shouting and hundreds of cars have driven past honking their horns in support. Champagne was popped and sprayed across the hotel sign, but the protest still remained relatively peaceful. A few migrants made their way inside the hotel but not before anti- immigration protesters shouted at them to leave the area. Men, women, teens and children screamed 'pack your bags' at the blank faced migrants as they were escorted into the hotel by police officers. One jubilant protester told GB News: "I'm elated it has paid off. We've been protesting week after week and it's worked. I'm so happy. Migrants to be kicked out of hotel at centre of protests in landmark ruling after asylum seeker's 'sex attack' 'Keep us safe. That's all we ask for.' There were chants of "save our kids" as protesters waving Union Jacks and St George's Cross flags heard the ruling. Protesters held up signs and placards declaring "we want Epping safe" and "clear them out" as they celebrated what they saw as a victory. The ruling today was welcomed by Reform leader Nigel Farage, who said: "This is a victory for the parents and concerned residents of Epping. They do not want their young women being assaulted on the streets. 7 Dozens rejoiced outside the Bell Hotel in Epping Essex as the High Court ruling was handed down Credit: n.c 7 The ruling came after weeks of protests outside the hotel Credit: Getty 7 Protests were sparked when a migrant staying in the hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl Credit: AFP "This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far right, and have won. They represent the vast majority of decent people in this country. "Young, undocumented males who break into the UK illegally should NOT be free to walk the streets anywhere. They must be detained and deported. "I hope that Epping provides inspiration to others across the country." Chris Whitbread, the leader of Epping Forest District Council, said he was "delighted" with the decision and called it "great news for our residents." It comes after weeks of protests were sparked when a migrant staying at the hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Up to 2,000 activists had marched on the building in just one demonstration previously. Some far-Right thugs joined some of the unrest and launched themselves on riot vans, smashed windshields and ripped off wingmirrors in senseless displays of "hooliganism." A total of 28 people have been arrested in relation to disorder at the hotel, and 16 of them have been charged. The hotel housed migrants from May 2020 to March 2021, then from October 2022 to April 2024. The hotel's owners, Somani Hotels Limited, said the council never instigated any formal enforcement proceedings against this use. In court Somani had argued that contracts to house asylum seekers had been a "financial lifeline." Lawyers for the firm also argued that political views were no grounds for an injunction and branded the ruling "draconian." The local authority argued that the Bell Hotel had breached planning regulations by failing to operate the premises for its designated purpose. The ruling from Judge Mr Justice Eyre will force the owners of the Bell Hotel to remove migrants from the accommodation within 14 days.