Latest news with #CanaryWharf
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
New clashes outside London hotel housing migrants
A ring of steel is being set up around a luxury four-star hotel that's been converted to house migrants, following sweeping protests this week. Large barriers have been installed outside The Britannia International Hotel in London's Canary Wharf this morning. It comes after a second night of fiery scenes following a major rally by anti-migrant activists outside the swanky city centre venue - where rooms can go for up to £425 a night. Guards kitted out in black uniforms and wearing face masks were seen manning the barriers this morning, as security was tightened. Meanwhile, more than a dozen officers from the Metropolitan Police have gathered outside the building. The heightened protective measures come amid fresh fears of further protests exploding tomorrow and over the weekend. In Epping, Essex, the community is once against braced for fresh demonstrations this week following violent clashes by 'thugs' outside The Bell Hotel, which is also housing illegal asylum seekers. The mayhem erupted earlier this month after one of the hotel's Ethiopian residents was charged with sexually assaulting schoolgirls in the leafy Essex town. This afternoon, metal fencing was delivered to the hotel on the back of a flatbed truck, in a seeming drive to beef up the building's defences. Since the disorder earlier this month, protests have spread to other parts of the country, with more than 150 gathering outside The Park Hotel, in Diss, Norfolk on Monday after the Home Office announced plans to change it from housing asylum-seeker families to single men. The boss of the organisation representing rank-and-file police officers has chillingly warned the disorder in Epping's was the 'signal flare' which could spark an outbreak of violent protests. Police could now be dragged away from neighbourhood duties to keep the peace at rallies outside migrant hotels, said Tiff Lynch, head of the Police Federation. Ms Lynch said officers were being 'pulled in every direction' and commanders were 'forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps'. She said if violent protests spread throughout the summer, it would be 'dangerous to assume' that police forces would be able to 'hold the line indefinitely' 'It would be comical if it weren't so serious - and so familiar. Local commanders are once again being forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps,' she wrote in the Telegraph . She said Epping was 'not just a troubling one-off', adding: ' It was a signal flare. A reminder of how little it takes for tensions to erupt and how ill-prepared we remain to deal with it.' The hotel in Canary Wharf was the latest to be converted into asylum accommodation by the Home Office, as Britain braces itself for a potential surge in illegal migrants crossing the Channel in the summer. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been warned the nation could face a second 'summer of riots' if Labour fails to get a grip on such hotels being used amid rising public anger. The decision for the four-star city building to house asylum seekers has already been branded an 'insult', with some residents and local business owners saying they fear for their safety. Anti-migrant activists claim the new wall outside the lavish glass-fronted building has been built to keep them away from the hotel entrance after yesterday's rally, which saw them clashing with police. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Phiip went on the attack last night and blasted the government for spending taxpayers' cash on housing migrants in Canary Wharf. '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,' he told The Sun. 'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre.' He continued: 'No wonder illegal immigrants are flooding across the Channel in record numbers,' adding: 'This is an insult to law-abiding citizens.' Workers spent yesterday hauling beds and mattresses into a four-star hotel in Canary Wharf after a night of protests in response to Government plans to house migrants there. Labourers dragging new furniture into the hotel were allowed through the metal fencing and police cordon in preparation for the arrival of 'hundreds' of asylum seekers. Today, workers inside the hotel appeared to be installing privacy tape on the main entrance doors at the site, which obscured views into the building. Protesters had gathered outside the hotel amid reports asylum seekers were being transferred from Epping, where trouble had previously broken out, to the capital, although the Home Office later clarified this was not the case. Tower Hamlets Council did, however, confirm the Government intends to use the hotel - which has around 500 rooms - for asylum seekers in a move which has angered anti-migrant protesters and guests whose bookings have been cancelled. The Met Police said it has officers at the scene and warned it wouldn't hesitate to clampdown on criminal thugs trying to create mayhem outside the hotel. A spokesman told MailOnline: 'We continue to have officers deployed in the vicinity of the Britannia International Hotel where protests have taken place over recent days. 'They are there to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses, to ensure that any further protest takes place peacefully and to respond to any incidents. 'We continue to encourage those exercising their lawful right to protest to do so responsibly and with consideration to the impact on those trying to go about their lives in the local area. 'Anyone who crosses the line from lawful protest into criminality can expect to face police action.' In Epping, Essex Police has issued a dispersal order, which is in place from 2pm on Thursday until 8am on Friday, covering an area including the town centre, transport hubs and networks such as the underground station. The order gives officers the power to tell anyone suspected of committing or planning antisocial behaviour to leave the area or face arrest. It comes as the force faces criticism over its handling of the display, which led to riot police being drafted in, as activists hurled bricks and other missiles at police vans. The Chief Constable for Essex Police has dismissed calls to resign over the force's handling of the Epping protests after footage emerged of officers escorting pro-migrant activists to an asylum seeker hotel where violent clashes erupted. Ben-Julian Harrington rejected calls from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to step down and firmly extinguished claims his officers had given a higher level of protection to pro-migrant protesters. Asked if he would resign, he told a press conference on Wednesday: 'No, I am not [resigning]. I am not going to do that. This is not about me, this is about the communities of Essex.' He added: 'The issue is not about my resignation. The issue is about an effective police operation that keeps the communities of Epping safe...' The Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex, has been the centre of a string of violent demonstrations after an asylum seeker was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl in the town eight days after arriving in the UK. Essex Police had initially denied it had brought Stand Up to Racism activists to the hotel before ugly clashes broke out with anti-migrant protesters on Thursday. But after being shown footage of officers leading the group from a nearby station to outside the hotel, the force then backtracked and admitted it had provided a 'foot cordon'. Mr Farage called for Chief Constable Harrington to resign, saying the footage is 'absolutely disgraceful' and 'heads must roll'. The Reform UK leader later posted footage allegedly showing pro-migrant protesters being 'bussed' to the demonstration in police vans but Essex Police said this was 'categorically' untrue. The force explained that pro-migrant protesters were given a 'foot cordon' on their way to the protest and those who were 'clearly at risk of being hurt' later on were 'escorted by vehicle'. Facing a barrage of questions, Chief Constable Harrington rejected claims his officers had given a higher level of protection to pro-migrant protesters. 'No, I don't accept that,' he said. 'The only protection that officers are doing is to those lawful and law-abiding people, whether they are in that accommodation, whether they are the people of Epping or whether they are people who are standing there with placards and banners wishing to make a very important and legitimate view, whichever your views about it. 'Where officers have intervened that is because there has been are not being partial in any way, shape or form.' The chief constable also dismissed claims pro-migrants were 'bussed' to the hotel', explaining: 'There has been some accusations in the media that we drove people to the protest. That is not true. All four are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on August 18. Joe McKenna, 34, of Wickford, is charged with failing to remove a face covering when directed to do so. He remains on bail ahead of a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on September 24. The demonstrations followed a man living in the hotel being charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, has denied the offences and was remanded in custody.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Ring of steel around four-star hotel being used to house migrants in Canary Wharf after second night of anti-immigration protests
A ring of steel is being set up around a four-star hotel that's been converted to house migrants, following sweeping protests this week. Large barriers have been installed outside The Britannia International Hotel in London 's Canary Wharf this morning. It comes after fiery scenes following a major rally by anti-migrant activists outside the swanky London hotel - where rooms can go for up to £425 a night. Guards kitted out in black uniforms and wearing face masks were seen behind the barriers this morning. The protective measures have been installed amid fresh fears of further protests today and into the weekend over the conversion of the hotel into asylum seeker accommodation. Anti-migrant protesters claim the wall has been built to keep them away from the hotel entrance after yesterday's rally, which saw them clashing with police. The venue was taken over by the Home Office as Britain braces itself for a potential surge in illegal migrants crossing the Channel in the summer. The decision for the four-star city building to house asylum seekers has been branded an 'insult', with some residents and local business owners saying they fear for their safety. Workers spent yesterday hauling beds and mattresses into a four-star hotel in Canary Wharf after a night of protests in response to Government plans to house migrants there. Labourers dragging new furniture into the hotel were allowed through the metal fencing and police cordon in preparation for the arrival of 'hundreds' of asylum seekers. Protesters had gathered outside the hotel amid reports asylum seekers were being transferred from Epping, where trouble had previously broken out, to the capital, although the Home Office later clarified this was not the case. Tower Hamlets Council did, however, confirm the Government intends to use the hotel - which has around 500 rooms - for asylum seekers in a move which has angered anti-migrant protesters and guests whose bookings have been cancelled. Canary Wharf became the site of the latest anti-migrant protest, with Sir Keir Starmer warned Britain could face a second 'summer of riots' if Labour fails to get a grip on such hotels being used amid rising public anger. It follows a string of violent demonstrations outside the Bell Hotel, in Epping after an asylum seeker was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl eight days after arriving in the UK.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Huge metal barriers ‘to keep protesters away' put up around luxury hotel set to house asylum seekers…and paid for by YOU
BARRIERS have blocked off entry to a four-star hotel that is being converted to house asylum seekers, following protests yesterday. 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. 4 4 4 4 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.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
False online rumours spark protests outside Canary Wharf hotel earmarked for migrants
Protesters surrounded an empty hotel in London's finance district after false rumours online suggested it was being used for migrants from another hotel, where riots have broken out. The Home Office has earmarked more than 400 beds at the Britannia Hotel in the Canary Wharf, which it says it will use to house migrants at a cost of £81 per night per person. Protesters gathered at the site on Tuesday after social media posts claimed migrants were being moved there from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which has been the scene of violent protests over the past few days. So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with that disorder, which was sparked when an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault this month. Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist, is among those who claimed online that migrants were being transferred to the London hotel from Epping. The rumours sparked protests and counter-protests, with police drafted to the scene on Tuesday, despite the hotel currently sitting empty. Demonstrators had also seized on online claims that migrants were being housed at £400 a night, when the rooms infact cost £81 per night and the government will not be charged until migrants move in. 'Asylum seekers are not being removed from The Bell Hotel in Epping,' a Home Office spokesman said. Reform MP Lee Anderson was accused of further stoking division by attending the protest outside the Canary Wharf hotel and warning of 'an influx of illegal migrants'. 'What are we playing at?' he asked on social media. He posted a clip in which he said he is 'absolutely furious' and that families across the UK would not be able to afford a night's stay in the hotel. Care4Calais head of advocacy Charlotte Khan hit out at Mr Anderson for his video. She said: 'The truth is, MPs should be more responsible than to sow division and hatred in our communities.' She added: 'MPs... who spread misinformation and hate that dehumanises refugees should be held accountable for their role in encouraging violence and racism on our streets.' Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, hit out at the demonstrations which he said had 'morphed into yet more racist violence'. 'In that context, it's clear how disgracefully dangerous and utterly irresponsible it is for an MP to use his platform to identify a site where people are about to be housed and encourage his followers to 'protest' against it. 'It's appalling that there's no accountability for an elected official who actively encourages the exact same sort of 'protests' that have led to violence and arrests in Epping this week.' In Essex, local Conservative MP Dr Neil Hudson warned that the riots were a 'crisis that has reached boiling point'. Essex Police have made 10 arrests, which saw more than 500 gather outside the hotel, with rioters attacking police vans and injuring a police officer. On Sunday night, two security guards working at the Bell Hotel were also attacked at a bus stop, and are recovering in hospital. Giving an update to the media in Chelmsford on Wednesday, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: "I want to thank the people of Epping, I want to thank the people of Essex. "I also want to thank all those who have turned up to protest and express their views peacefully and lawfully, because there have been many of those. "What has been unacceptable has been the people who have come to Epping and committed violence, who have attacked people who work at the hotel, who have attacked officers, who have damaged property and who have caused fear and disruption to the people of Epping. "That is not tolerable, it will not be tolerated, and to that end, we have made 10 arrests." He appealed to the people of Essex to 'help us to do our job and make sure everyone can express their rights and their views safely and peacefully'. The latest demonstrations come a day after Angela Rayner issued an ultimatum to Sir Keir Starmer, warning that the UK faces a repeat of last year's summer riots unless 'the government shows it can address people's concerns'. The deputy prime minister said economic insecurity, immigration, the increasing time people spend online, and declining trust in institutions were having a 'profound impact on society'. And, amid fears this summer could see riots similar to those in the wake of the Southport murders last year, Ms Rayner said it is urgent Sir Keir delivers tangible improvements to living standards. Of the 18 places hit with the worst rioting last summer, Ms Rayner noted that 17 are among the country's most deprived areas. Michael Gove on Wednesday branded the comments about a repeat of last summer's violence 'a big mistake' which could 'tacitly encourage' fresh riots. The Tory ex-minister said she was right to acknowledge concern across the country about immigration and living standards and encourage the government to prove it can deliver. But Mr Gove told ITV: 'I think this is a mistake on Labour, to brief this out, I think it is a big mistake, it reminds me of what happened in the 1970s when [former US president] Jimmy Carter when America was going through difficult times said 'this country is in the grip of a malaise'. 'You do not, if you are the government, accentuate the negative in this way and you certainly don't suggest to people that violence might be about to break out in this way.' A spokesman for Tower Hamlets Council, the authority which is responsible for Canary Wharf, called on the government to ensure 'that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel'. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place,' the spokesman added.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Four-star hotel in Canary Wharf prepares for arrival of 'hundreds' of asylum seekers with extra beds and mattresses brought in after protesters gathered outside
Workers have been pictured hauling beds and mattresses into a four-star hotel in Canary Wharf after a night of protests in response to Government plans to house migrants there. The Metropolitan Police has erected a ring of steel outside the Britannia International Hotel, in London's financial district, following a furious response to it being transformed into a migrant hotel. Labourers dragging new furniture into the hotel were allowed through the metal fencing and police cordon in preparation for the arrival of 'hundreds' of asylum seekers. Protesters last night gathered outside the hotel amid reports asylum seekers were being transferred from Epping to the capital, although the Home Office later clarified this was not the case. Tower Hamlets Council did, however, confirm the Government intends to use the hotel - which has around 500 rooms - for asylum seekers in a move which has angered anti-migrant protesters and guests whose bookings have been cancelled. Last night's action marks the latest anti-migrant protest, with Sir Keir Starmer warned Britain could face a second 'summer of riots' if Labour fails to get a grip on migrant hotels. It follows a string of violent demonstrations outside the Bell Hotel, in Epping after an asylum seeker was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl eight days after arriving in the UK. Essex Police is facing major questions after footage emerged of officers escorting pro-migrant activists to the hotel - despite the force initially denying this has happened. But Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington today defended the force's handling of the protests, rejected claims of preferential treatment for pro-migrant protesters and dismissed calls to resign. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had called for Chief Constable Harrington to quit, saying the footage was 'absolutely disgraceful' and 'heads must roll'. He later posted footage allegedly showing pro-migrant protesters being 'bussed' to the demonstration in police vans but Essex Police said this was 'categorically' untrue. Protests have since spread to other parts of the country, with more than 150 gathering outside The Park Hotel, in Diss, Norfolk on Monday after the Home Office announced plans to change it from housing asylum-seeker families to single men. Amid warnings 'discontent is real' in Britain, Met Police officers were called to the Britannia International Hotel, on Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, last night. Footage on social media shows eggs were thrown, while a police helicopter was circling above as officers on the ground blocked the entrance to the hotel which has more than 500 rooms and is located on the waterfront of the South Dock. The Canary Wharf protest did not reach the violence seen in Epping, with YouTuber-types making up a large proportion of the crowd in preparation for any tension. However, there were still dozens of protesters - some wearing masks and others draped in St George's flags. One placard said: 'This is a peaceful protest to protect our own.' Counter-protesters also gathered outside the scene - and in one clip appeared to be escorted away from the hotel by police as protesters followed behind. Furious hotel guests have left damning reviews online, claiming they were told their stays were 'cancelled'. One wrote: 'My confirmed reservation was cancelled less than 24 hours before my stay via a brief phone call, citing a 'private hire' event.' Another said: 'Completely unprofessional company. Hotel cancelled my booking at last minute because they had a bulk booking.' And a third fumed: 'Booked in for three nights on 18th July. Told we couldn't stay on Sunday night no explanation but waiter said they were closing. Left to go to other hotel 1 hr away on Sunday. Waste of a day.' While guests claimed they were not given a reason for the cancellations, a spokesman for Tower Hamlets Council confirmed: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' There was a significant police presence with dozens of officers guarding the hotel last night after rumours spread on social media that the Epping migrants had been moved to the venue, though the Home Office said that was not the case. Reform UK chief whip Lee Anderson said he was 'absolutely furious'. He wrote on X: 'Canary Wharf. The International Hotel is now in lockdown as they prepare for an influx of illegal migrants. 500 rooms here. What are we playing at?' Trouble first broke out in Epping last Thursday after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the town by attempting to kiss her. He denies the charges. The protest started peacefully, but descended into frenzied violence when anti-migrant demonstrators clashed with counter protesters and police. Last night, police admitted escorting pro-migrant protesters to the Bell Hotel following days of volatile protests. Essex Police initially denied it had brought the Stand Up to Racism activists following claims from anti-migrant protesters that it was the counter-protesters who sparked the July 17 violence. However, the force has now backtracked after footage showed them escorting the pro-migrant activists from a nearby station to the hotel. Mr Farage, who this week claimed Britain was getting close to 'civil disobedience on a vast scale', wrote on X: 'Essex Police escorted ANTIFA protesters to the Bell Hotel in Epping to force a confrontation. Initially they denied that it had ever happened in the first place. Heads must roll.' The Reform leader later posted footage of what he claimed to be pro-migrant protesters being transported to the Bell Hotel in police vans. 'There is no way Chief Constable BJ Harrington can stay in position,' he wrote. At a press conference today, Chief Constable Harrington rejected claims his officers had given a higher level of protection to pro-migrant protesters. 'No, I don't accept that,' he said. 'The only protection that officers are doing is to those lawful and law-abiding people, whether they are in that accommodation, whether they are the people of Epping or whether they are people who are standing there with placards and banners wishing to make a very important and legitimate view, whichever your views about it. 'Where officers have intervened that is because there has been are not being partial in any way, shape or form.' When asked if he would resign, he said: 'No, I am not going to do that. This is not about me, this is about the communities of Essex... the issue is not about my resignation.' He said Essex Police have made 10 arrests, adding: 'What has been unacceptable has been the people who have come to Epping and committed violence, who have attacked people who work at the hotel, who have attacked officers, who have damaged property and who have caused fear and disruption to the people of Epping. 'That is not tolerable, it will not be tolerated, and to that end, we have made 10 arrests.' In a warning to Mr Farage and other politicians about their online posts, he added: 'It is not the police's job to clamp down on elected politicians... All I am asking is that people are responsible about what they say and they consider the real world consequences.' On Tuesday, MPs and council leaders raised fears that Britain could be heading for another 'summer of riots' - in a repeat of the street violence that followed the Southport murders 12 months ago. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner warned that anger at high levels of illegal immigration is risking social cohesion in Britain's poorest communities and must be addressed. Her comments came after Sir Keir Starmer was warned by Epping Forest Council Leader Christ Whitbread that the UK is a 'powder keg' that could explode. Newly appointed shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly also weighed in this morning, criticising the Prime Minister for a 'disconnect from reality' when it comes to housing asylum seekers. The Tory MP and former home secretary said asylum hotels are being reopened and that more asylum seekers are likely to be sent to an accommodation centre in his own constituency of Braintree. 'The Government has lost control,' he told LBC. 'And to add insult to injury, we saw the Prime Minister at the Liaison Committee just this week blithely saying, oh, there are plenty of houses for asylum seekers, when there are people all over the country struggling to get on the housing ladder, and that complete disconnect from reality, I think, is driving a lot of frustrations. 'There is never an excuse for rioting, and I'll make that absolutely clear, but the Government really is making a difficult situation significantly worse.' He said that people who live close to facilities housing asylum seekers are 'typically well behaved' but that there are 'agitators, both of the left and the right, imposing themselves on local communities to try and play out a political agenda, and local people are caught in the crossfire'. The Government should be seen to be 'on the side of the people who play by the rules, rather than on the side of the people who abuse the system, jump the queue and try and exploit our hospitality,' he said. Protesters are already plotting to take action outside more migrant hotels in the coming days. Conservative Councillor Daniel Elmer, who leads South Norfolk Council, yesterday told MailOnline 'the risk of public discontent is real' as he responded to the protests outside The Park Hotel in Diss. He added: 'I think that is unarguable. The fact that we already have protests proves that there is a risk of the public getting very, very upset with this to the point they're prepared to go out on the streets to stop it.' Speaking about the protests at the hotel, he added: 'I think the anger here is completely understandable. I think they probably feel a bit taken advantage of because this was meant to be a family hotel. 'It was largely accepted two years ago on that basis. And now it feels like the Home Office is changing the goalposts again.' Since 2023, the 19-room hotel - in the centre of Diss - has been used to house asylum seeker families, including several women and children, but there are fears the change to single adult men could bring tension to the market town. Migrant hotels usually house two asylum seekers per room, meaning there could be at least 38 men bussed into Diss. But the council say the Home Office has not confirmed the numbers yet and they are 'incredibly disappointed' at the short notice. Mr Elmer said that it is crucial how 'safe people feel' in the 'very small tight-knit community' of Diss, adding: 'It is indisputably true that lots of young adult men make people feel less safe than women and children. 'I understand why people are angry, and I would never want belittle that anger. I think it is obviously concerning if there is a risk of anything becoming violent.' As well as the protests in Diss and Epping, demonstrations have already been planned in other parts of Norfolk and Worcestershire on Saturday, stoking fears more riots are on the way. Mr Elmer said it was 'absolutely true' that there is a risk of more violence on the streets this summer. Amid growing fears of further violence, Angela Rayner today told the Cabinet this morning they had to 'acknowledge the real concerns people have' about immigration and economic insecurity, hours after the anti-migrant clashes in Norfolk. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said today that Ms Rayner warned the Cabinet '17 of the 18 places that saw the worst of the disorder last summer ranked at the top of the most deprived, and while Britain was a successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith country, the Government had to show it had a plan to address people's concerns (and) provide opportunities for everyone to flourish'. The Deputy Prime Minister told the Cabinet they had to 'acknowledge the real concerns people have' about immigration and economic insecurity as fears of a 'summer of riots' grew 'I think she sees a link between concerns that people have about where the Government is acting on their behalf and acting in their interests, and a range of factors,' he said. 'High levels of immigration over the last 10 years, including illegal immigration, but also, importantly, the cost of living, economic security, the rapid pace of technological change and deindustrialisation and changes in the economy, these are all factors that have had an impact on our social fabric and social cohesion.' A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Officers were in attendance at a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf on Tuesday, 22 July. 'No arrests were made. Officers remain in the area to deal with any incidents.'
