Huge metal barriers ‘to keep protesters away' put up around luxury hotel set to house asylum seekers…and paid for by YOU
The tall protective wall could be seen outside The Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London, this morning after anti-migrant activists staged a protest at the building on Wednesday.
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The hotel - which can cost tourists up to £425 a night to stay at - has been taken over by the Home Office in anticipation of a summer surge in Channel crossings, with the bill being footed by the taxpayer.
Pictures today show tall metal fencing surrounding the main entrance to the hotel, with security also manning the wall.
Anti-migrant protesters claim the barriers were put up to keep them away from the hotel entrance after protesters gathered yesterday.
The decision to convert the hotel for asylum seekers has been branded an "insult", with some residents and local business owners saying they fear for their safety - adding that the move would attract protests.
A demonstration was held outside the hotel on Tuesday while yesterday police guarded the hotel as protesters gathered outside.
The fencing had already been erected yesterday ahead of expected protests.
Pictures also showed workers hauled beds inside, as Tower Hamlets Council confirmed the hotel would be used for migrants.
The local authority added that the asylum seekers should receive a 'full package of support'.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'It is outrageous that the Government is splurging taxpayers' hard-earned money on luxury hotels for illegal immigrants when most people in this country would struggle to afford a hotel in central London.
'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre.
'No wonder illegal immigrants are flooding across the channel in record numbers when this weak Labour government welcomes them with hotel accommodation funded by hard-working taxpayers.
'This is an insult to law-abiding citizens.
'The Government must urgently act to deport every single illegal arrival, then the crossings would rapidly stop but Keir Starmer is too weak to do this.'
Susan Hall, Tory leader in London's City Hall, added: 'It's incredible that four-star hotels like this are being used to house migrants.
'This move will damage every small firm in Canary Wharf trying to survive.
'Women and children, I can tell you, don't feel safe around these hotels in London.
'It shows things are getting worse and worse for hard-working Brits, who are trying to keep their families going.
'This is the damage it is doing to society, and I think it is going to cause a really serious problem.'
Some 23,534 migrants have already arrived on small boats this year — 48 per cent higher than this time in 2024.
Sources indicated the International will remain empty until necessary, with the Home Office striking a deal to rent 400 rooms for £81 a night.
It means the weekly bill for the hotel could be up to £226,800 if every room is used.
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