5 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Groups clash as hotel near Cardiff takes in Afghans
The demonstration was called by a group identifying itself as Concerned Local Families, who voiced opposition to the UK Government's relocation of Afghan nationals to the site.
Among its members were leaders of 'Voice of Wales', an online platform that challenges official immigration policy.
In response, people describing themselves as anti-racism campaigners, mostly from Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) and allied groups, staged a counter-demonstration.
The hotel is currently housing Afghan nationals who supported British forces during the war in Afghanistan and have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, known as Entitled Persons (EPs).
The Ministry of Defence selected the site as part of a relocation programme, with the first intake including 19 families, three couples, and one single person.
The arrangement is expected to last up to nine months while permanent housing is secured.
The protest began at 6pm on the access road leading to the hotel.
Protesters on one side (Image: NQ) People gathering outside the hotel (Image: NQ) From the perspective facing the hotel, the 'Concerned Families group' stood to the left, while SUTR and their supporters gathered to the right.
Initially, the two groups remained largely self-contained, but tensions escalated, prompting police to establish a cordon and instruct attendees not to cross sides.
In the middle of the road stood aid worker Nizar Dahan, known as 'Neezo,' who was told by police to choose a side. At first he declined, and then reluctantly complied, saying: 'I don't believe in sides, I am a human being, and I don't believe in all these divisions. There is no left and right, just humans and we all need to think that way.'
Neezo also said he was perfectly happy to chat to all at the protest and would respect all views.
The SUTR side, led by human rights lawyer Hussein Said, appeared more organized and unified in its protest behaviour. Protesters carried printed signs and banners, including those from the National Education Union.
Chanting was coordinated and persistent, with slogans denouncing fascism and racism. Hussein said: 'These people fought for this country and are in danger. We have a duty to take them in.'
When asked about the nature of fascism, he did not define it but said: 'The threat of fascism anywhere is a threat that must be taken very seriously.
"Of course, we weren't sure if fascist people would turn up today, but there was enough to concern the police and the council so we felt we must be loud and clearly visible here today to say we won't stand for this.'
On the opposite side, Stan Robinson of 'Voice of Wales' challenged the official narrative surrounding the Afghan families.
He said: 'You shouldn't believe these figures. Only one in sixteen (of the people moving into the hotel) is genuine, and all their families are entitled to come.'
Mr Robinson expressed concern about the long-term impact on local services and questioned the transparency of the relocation process.
He added that the only exception to his hard-nosed approach would be care and resettlement of Gurkhas and their families.
While the protest remained relatively peaceful, both sides exchanged heated accusations.
Despite this, attendees from both sides described the police operation as effective and well-managed.
However, Mr Robinson voiced dissatisfaction with the policing approach, accusing officers of bias.
He claimed that police cameras were focused only on his side and that officers failed to act on provocative chants from the counter-protesters.
Stan Robinson (Image: NQ) By 7.40pm, the SUTR group was led off the site under police supervision, with the visible police presence swelling from around 20 officers at 6pm to about 40.
Officers blocked traffic to allow for an orderly evacuation of the site, and by 8pm the site was almost entirely cleared.
The protest highlighted deep divisions over migration, national identity, and public accountability, with each side insisting it spoke for the true interests of local residents and the wider community.
At the end of July, Vale Council provided clarity on the situation, saying: "As Entitled Persons (EPs), this group have the right to live in the UK following their efforts supporting the British military in Afghanistan.
"These households are not illegal immigrants, asylum seekers or refugees. The UK Government has granted them indefinite leave to remain in this country, which is now regarded as their home.
"The first of two intakes, which is expected shortly, will consist of 19 families with children, three couples and a single person.
"This temporary arrangement, lasting up to nine months, is in place while they are helped to find more permanent accommodation across the UK."
As of writing there were no reports of arrests.
