Latest news with #EppingForestDistrictCouncil
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Home Office working to ‘restore order' as council calls for asylum hotel to shut
The Home Office has said it is working to close hotels and 'restore order' after a council unanimously voted to urge the Government to shut a hotel housing asylum seekers following a series of protests around the site. Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Dozens of protesters gathered at the site again on Thursday evening. Police have made 18 arrests and charged seven people in connection with the demonstrations. The Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has also reportedly urged the Home Secretary to review the use of the hotel for housing asylum seekers. Epping Forest District Council passed a motion on Thursday to call on the Government 'to immediately and permanently close' the hotel 'for the purposes of asylum processing'. The council unanimously voted in favour of the motion. On Friday, the Home Office said the new Failure to Travel policy is designed to tackle non-compliance by asylum seekers and will ensure individuals who are moved from hotels to suitable alternative accommodation must take it. Those who refuse to move without a valid reason will now risk losing their housing and support, the Home Office said. Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, said: 'We are working to close hotels, restore order, and put fairness and value for money at the heart of our asylum system. 'This Government is making those necessary decisions to protect the taxpayer and uphold the integrity of our borders. 'These reforms to the Failure to Travel policy are another example of this Government's action to transform the asylum accommodation system and crack down on those who abuse our system, so it operates fairly and saves the taxpayer money.' Asked specifically about the Epping Forest District Council vote, the Home Office said: ''We'll continue to work closely with local police and community partners, in Epping and across the country, as we fix this broken system.' In a letter to Yvette Cooper, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner said the hotel is unsuitable for housing migrants and is 'clearly creating community tension', the Telegraph reported. Roger Hirst continued: '(I am) requesting a meeting to discuss the ongoing use of hotels in the Epping Forest district of Essex, and elsewhere in the county, to accommodate newly arrived asylum seekers. 'Specifically, I am seeking to highlight the unsuitability of The Bell Hotel in Epping for this purpose, and request that its use be reviewed. The presence of asylum seeker accommodation in this district is clearly creating community tension. 'These large-scale protests are disrupting local life and placing an unwelcome burden on Essex Police resources.' Last Thursday's protest began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. The force previously said a small number of people used that demonstration as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. On Friday, dozens of protesters demonstrated outside a hotel in Canary Wharf which is reportedly set to be used to offer temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. The demonstration, organised by Stand up to Racism, took place outside the Britannia Hotel, with a group of anti-migrant protesters also present. More than 25 officers were in the vicinity to separate the two sides, with police vans carrying additional staff also patrolling Canary Wharf. Stand up to Racism placards read: 'Refugees welcome. Stop the far right.' Motorists passing the pro-migrant protest shouted towards the demonstration, saying 'send them home' and 'they get everything thrown at them'. A leaflet distributed by Stand up to Racism said a further protest would take place at Epping Tube station at 2pm on Sunday. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Thursday she was 'confident' the prison system was now robust enough to cope if riots were to erupt again. 'I'm confident we've taken the decisions that mean that we will always be able to respond,' she said. 'I'm not going to let us run out of prison places. 'Governments can't predict the future but our job is to make sure that we are capable of responding in a way that the public would expect and I'm confident we are in that position.'
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
One arrest as protesters again descend on hotel in Epping
One person has been arrested as protesters again descended on a hotel in Essex that is believed to be housing asylum seekers. Dozens gathered outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening, following a recent string of violent protests there – although shortly after 7.30pm, police said the latest demonstration had 'so far been peaceful'. However, an arrest was made over breaching an order in place that prevents anyone from wearing a face covering, Essex Police confirmed. Some of the protesters could be seen wearing English and Union flags draped over their backs as they stood behind fencing erected outside the hotel. A large billboard set up behind the fencing also showed English flags with the words 'Protect Our Kids'. One protester with a microphone could be heard saying 'we'll be here Sunday' after thanking 'everyone for keeping it peaceful'. A total of 17 arrests have been following protests around the same hotel. The force previously said a small number of people used those demonstrations as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said on Thursday: 'I want to thank those who are attending today and protesting peacefully. We have used powers at our disposal to ensure people can protest peacefully, lawfully, and safely. And our officers are in place to ensure you can do so. 'We won't tolerate anyone thinking they can come and cause trouble or breach the orders we've put in place to keep people safe. My message is clear – we will deal with you.' People had earlier walked through the town's high street and gathered outside Epping Forest District Council, before being walked back to the hotel by large numbers of police officers. The force said a group outside the hotel wanted to move towards the town centre and officers 'escorted them there to ensure they could express their democratic right safely'. It was reported that Epping Forest District Council were holding a meeting on Thursday. Earlier that evening, police announced they will be using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Sites to lawfully protest at are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said previously. There will also be areas near the Civic Centre, he said, adding: 'If you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, is also in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper warned. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Last Thursday's protest began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Six people have been charged in relation to the action. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arrest made as protesters gather outside Epping hotel ‘housing asylum seekers'
Arrest made as protesters gather outside Epping hotel 'housing asylum seekers' One arrest has been made as protesters gather outside a hotel in Essex believed to be housing asylum seekers. Dozens were outside The Bell Hotel, Epping, on Thursday evening, and shortly after 7.30pm police said the protest had 'so far been peaceful'. A person was arrested for breaching an order in place that prevents anyone from wearing a face covering, Essex Police said. Some of the protesters could be seen wearing English and Union flags draped over their backs as they stood behind fencing erected outside the hotel. A large billboard set up behind the fencing also showed English flags with the words Protect Our Kids. One protester with a microphone could be heard saying 'we'll be here Sunday' after thanking 'everyone for keeping it peaceful'. A total of 16 arrests were made following a protest outside the same hotel last week. The force previously said a small number of people used that demonstration as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said on Thursday: 'I want to thank those who are attending today and protesting peacefully. 'We have used powers at our disposal to ensure people can protest peacefully, lawfully, and safely. 'And our officers are in place to ensure you can do so. 'We won't tolerate anyone thinking they can come and cause trouble or breach the orders we've put in place to keep people safe. My message is clear – we will deal with you.' People had earlier walked through the town's high street and gathered outside Epping Forest District Council, before being walked back to the hotel by large numbers of Essex Police officers. The force said a group outside the hotel wanted to move towards the town centre and officers 'escorted them there to ensure they could express their democratic right safely'. It was reported that Epping Forest District Council were holding a meeting on Thursday. Earlier that evening, police announced they will be using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Sites to lawfully protest at are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said previously. There will also be areas near the Civic Centre, he said, adding: 'If you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, is also in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper said. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Last Thursday's protest began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Six people have been charged in relation to the action. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
Arrest made as protesters gather outside Epping hotel ‘housing asylum seekers'
Dozens were outside The Bell Hotel, Epping, on Thursday evening, and shortly after 7.30pm police said the protest had 'so far been peaceful'. A person was arrested for breaching an order in place that prevents anyone from wearing a face covering, Essex Police said. Some of the protesters could be seen wearing English and Union flags draped over their backs as they stood behind fencing erected outside the hotel. A large billboard set up behind the fencing also showed English flags with the words Protect Our Kids. One protester with a microphone could be heard saying 'we'll be here Sunday' after thanking 'everyone for keeping it peaceful'. A total of 16 arrests were made following a protest outside the same hotel last week. The force previously said a small number of people used that demonstration as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said on Thursday: 'I want to thank those who are attending today and protesting peacefully. 'We have used powers at our disposal to ensure people can protest peacefully, lawfully, and safely. 'And our officers are in place to ensure you can do so. 'We won't tolerate anyone thinking they can come and cause trouble or breach the orders we've put in place to keep people safe. My message is clear – we will deal with you.' People had earlier walked through the town's high street and gathered outside Epping Forest District Council, before being walked back to the hotel by large numbers of Essex Police officers. The force said a group outside the hotel wanted to move towards the town centre and officers 'escorted them there to ensure they could express their democratic right safely'. It was reported that Epping Forest District Council were holding a meeting on Thursday. Earlier that evening, police announced they will be using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Sites to lawfully protest at are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said previously. There will also be areas near the Civic Centre, he said, adding: 'If you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, is also in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper said. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Last Thursday's protest began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Six people have been charged in relation to the action. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied.
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Arrest made as protesters gather outside Epping hotel ‘housing asylum seekers'
Dozens were outside The Bell Hotel, Epping, on Thursday evening, and shortly after 7.30pm police said the protest had 'so far been peaceful'. A person was arrested for breaching an order in place that prevents anyone from wearing a face covering, Essex Police said. Some of the protesters could be seen wearing English and Union flags draped over their backs as they stood behind fencing erected outside the hotel. A large billboard set up behind the fencing also showed English flags with the words Protect Our Kids. One protester with a microphone could be heard saying 'we'll be here Sunday' after thanking 'everyone for keeping it peaceful'. A total of 16 arrests were made following a protest outside the same hotel last week. The force previously said a small number of people used that demonstration as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said on Thursday: 'I want to thank those who are attending today and protesting peacefully. 'We have used powers at our disposal to ensure people can protest peacefully, lawfully, and safely. 'And our officers are in place to ensure you can do so. 'We won't tolerate anyone thinking they can come and cause trouble or breach the orders we've put in place to keep people safe. My message is clear – we will deal with you.' People had earlier walked through the town's high street and gathered outside Epping Forest District Council, before being walked back to the hotel by large numbers of Essex Police officers. The force said a group outside the hotel wanted to move towards the town centre and officers 'escorted them there to ensure they could express their democratic right safely'. It was reported that Epping Forest District Council were holding a meeting on Thursday. Earlier that evening, police announced they will be using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Sites to lawfully protest at are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said previously. There will also be areas near the Civic Centre, he said, adding: 'If you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, is also in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper said. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Last Thursday's protest began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Six people have been charged in relation to the action. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied.
