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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Grandmother refused entry to Wetherspoons pub because she was wearing a Union Jack dress vows to never return
A grandmother who was refused entry to a Wetherspoons pub because she was wearing a Union Jack dress has vowed never to return despite being a regular for nearly 30 years. Tanya Ostolski, 54, tried to enter The Picture House in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, after attending an anti-migrant protest in the area on Friday, July 25. Dozens of protesters had gathered in the town centre from around 4.30pm after Reform MP Lee Anderson went against police advice to make an unverified claim that a local man charged with rape was an asylum seeker. It followed similar anti-migrant demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, near Essex, and the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf in central London, in recent weeks. After marching in the protest, Tanya made her way to her local Wetherspoons where she claims she was denied entry due to her outfit. The bouncer's refusal to let her in angered other protesters in her group, who were also turned away. A spokesperson for Wetherspoons confirmed the pub asked customers with flags and placards not to enter so as not to 'increase tension'. Tanya said: 'I'm disgusted. I won't be going back there. I go in there all the time, and I wasn't causing any trouble. 'The whole day was a peaceful protest. I'm a grandma and I've never caused any bother. 'I just can't believe this was all over a flag - it was really upsetting. I didn't do anything wrong.' According to Tanya, she was first refused entry because she was carrying a St George's cross flag. She claimed witnesses defended her - calling the bouncers actions 'unfair' as she wasn't 'causing any trouble'. Tanya said: 'I had the flag tied around my waist. He said I couldn't come in and asked me to put the flag away. 'But I had flags all over my dress and then I was told I can't come in at all. I was really confused - it's just a flag. 'I asked for a valid reason. They just kept saying, 'you're not coming in'. 'I'm not aggressive and didn't want to cause trouble, so I just walked away. People came up to me and said it was really unfair. 'I've heard I won't be welcome back or I might be barred.' JD Wetherspoons has a 'no flag' policy which prohibits the pubs from hanging the England flag - a policy that received backlash during the 2018 World Cup. But during the men's Euro 2024, the popular chain overturned the rule and allowed their pubs to hang the England flag during the summer tournament. In a statement given to Nottingham Post, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: 'Pub managers have a duty under the licensing laws, and as a matter of common sense, to judge every situation on its particular circumstances. 'In this case, the pub manager felt that it was important not to increase tensions. Therefore, on this occasion the manager asked customers not to enter with flags or any placards.' It comes after a schoolgirl was put into isolation for wearing a Union Jack dress to celebrate being British at her school's culture day. 'Straight A' student Courtney Wright, 12, wore the Spice Girls-esque dress and wrote a speech about history and traditions as part of the celebrations on July 11. But the Year 7 pupil was told the dress was 'unacceptable' before being hauled out of lessons and made to sit in reception until her father collected her. Stuart Field, 47, said he was 'gobsmacked' to learn she had been segregated from her peers due to her choice of attire at Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire. He added that while other pupils with St George's and Welsh flags were also turned away, students were allowed in burkas, niqabs and traditional Nigerian clothing. The school contacted Mr Field over the weekend and have since apologised for the move Mr Field, who works in marine restoration, said: 'Courtney was so embarrassed and couldn't understand what she'd done wrong. 'She should not be made to feel embarrassed about being British. And she shouldn't be punished for celebrating British culture and history; nobody else I've spoken to can quite get their heads around it.' The father added: 'Another with a St Georges flag and another with a Welsh flag were not allowed in either. It was ridiculous. It just seemed anything that was remotely British wasn't allowed. 'It's ironic they were having a cultural diversity day but then decided to single out a group of people. 'Others were allowed in burkas, niqabs or traditional Nigerian clothing.' Following outrage to the decision, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated. 'You can see that from everything this government has done. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British.' Mr Field said Courtney wanted to wear the dress to celebrate being British, the Spice Girls and the freedom of being able to wear a dress. 'This was her interpretation of British culture and what it means to her,' he said. 'Somebody at the school has politicised a Union Jack dress even though that was clearly not Courtney's intent. Courtney didn't do anything to be political.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Woman in Union Jack dress was turned away from Wetherspoons during anti-migrants protest
A woman wearing a Union Jack dress was turned away from a Wetherspoons so as 'not to increase tensions' after an anti-migrant protest in the area. Tanya Ostolski, 54, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, says she was knocked back from The Picture House last night, despite being a regular in the pub. Dozens of protestors had gathered in the town centre from around 4.30pm after Reform MP Lee Anderson went against police advice to make an unverified claim that a local man charged with rape was an asylum seeker. It followed similar anti-migrant demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, near Essex, and the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf in central London, in recent weeks. Last night's protests in Sutton-in-Ashfield had ended at around 7pm when protestors made their way back to the where the gathering began, around 50 metres from the pub. Many of those who took to the streets were waving Union flags or were wrapped in the St George's Cross flag and had sought to get into the pub after the demonstrations were over. But clashes with bouncers outside the pub quickly ensued when they were denied access due to a 'no-flag' policy deployed by Wetherspoons in their establishments. Ms Ostolski says she was holding a St George's Cross flag when she was first refused entry by bouncers on the door, before putting it in her bag in the hope that would allow her access. But the 54-year-old said she was 'absolutely disgusted' when she was told by those on the doors that she still wasn't allowed in because of her dress. She said: 'I go in there all the time and they refused entry. They didn't let me in with my flag, the flag is the English flag, so why shouldn't I be allowed to have an English flag? 'It's our flag, it's our nation's flag. I wasn't being aggressive or anything I didn't get lairy or anything. I put the flag back in my bag, and they said I can't come in because of my dress. 'They kept refusing me. I'm probably going to get barred now. They just said Tanya, you're not coming in. I feel absolutely disgusted, why should I be refused entry for wearing a dress or a flag?' The spokesman for Wetherspoons, Eddie Gershon, said the decision was made to ensure calm in the area and 'as a matter of common sense'. He said: 'Pub managers have a duty under the licensing laws, and as a matter of common sense, to judge every situation on its particular circumstances. 'In this case, the pub manager felt that it was important not to increase tensions. Therefore, on this occasion the manager asked customers not to enter with flags or any placards.' Ms Ostolski's knockback comes just days after a schoolgirl was put into isolation for wearing a similar Union Jack dress to celebrate being British at her school's culture day. 'Straight A' student Courtney Wright, 12, wore a Spice Girls-esque dress and wrote a speech about history and traditions as part of the celebrations on July 11. But the Year 7 pupil was told the dress was 'unacceptable' before being hauled out of lessons and made to sit in reception until her father collected her. Downing Street would go on to condemn that decision, with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister saying: 'The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated. 'You can see that from everything this government has done. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Protests outside hotel caused by fake rumours online
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Archie Mitchell, Nicole Wootton-Cane & David Maddox Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:46 BST Flares thrown during protest outside Essex Hotel Protesters gathered at an empty hotel in London's financial district following false online rumours that it was being used to house migrants from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. The Home Office confirmed the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf is earmarked for migrants at £81 per night, but clarified that asylum seekers are not being moved from the Bell Hotel, which has been the scene of violent protests. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson and Reform MP Lee Anderson were among those who spread misinformation, with Mr Anderson attending the protest and warning of an 'influx of illegal migrants'. Violent disorder at the Bell Hotel in Epping led to 10 arrests, injuries to a police officer, and attacks on security guards, sparked by an asylum seeker being charged with sexual assault. Charities criticised politicians for spreading misinformation and stoking division, while Angela Rayner warned of potential summer riots, a view criticised by Michael Gove. In full
The Independent
6 days 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.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Workers haul beds into posh 4-star London hotel set to house hundreds of asylum seekers – as protesters gather outside
WORKERS have been spotted hauling beds into a posh London hotel that is set to house hundreds of asylum seekers. Labourers wheeled in the new furniture at the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this morning, following an anti-migrant protest outside the property last night. 6 Workers could be seen carrying mattresses into the Britannia International Hotel this morning Credit: SelwynPics 6 New beds were also spotted being taken into the hotel Credit: SelwynPics 6 Anti-migrant protesters outside the building yesterday Credit: George Cracknell Wright Around 150 activists had surrounded the hotel - in London's eastern financial centre - last night after false reports claimed asylum seekers were being transferred there from While the Home Office later confirmed that migrants were not being transferred, it has been revealed that the hotel - where rooms cost up to £460 a night - will be repurposed as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. A spokesman for the Tower Hamlets Council said: '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.' This morning, workers were seen wheeling beds and mattresses into the hotel - which has close to 500 rooms. Some 50 police officers were drafted in to supervise the march on Tuesday, which at times descended into shouting matches with a small counter-protest of five people. One held a sign reading: 'Safe and legal routes now'. Most read in The Sun The small counter-march was eventually escorted away by cops. Several passing motorists honked their horns in support, though some shouted 'Free Palestine' out their windows. Among those at the protest yesterday was Reform's chief whip Lee Anderson MP, who said in an online video: 'Absolutely furious. This hotel here… it must cost a couple of hundred quid a night to stay there. 'Most normal people in this country would not be able to afford to come and stay here for a weekend, but we have illegals coming here.' Stopped by reporters, Mr Anderson insisted he was only passing through the area by chance. The protest had been sparked by social media rumours that asylum seekers had been moved into the four-star hotel. It has also been claimed that some tourists had their bookings at the hotel cancelled with little notice. Rooms at the hotel, the Britannia brand's biggest and flagship residence which opened in 1992, were last night unavailable to book online. The Home Office said migrants had not been moved from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which was at the centre of Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper branded yobs, who left Police vehicles were smashed by yobs who climbed on them and there was damage to the building. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Read more on the Irish Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at 6 Bunting bearing the English flag was seen outside the hotel today Credit: Getty 6 Around 50 police officers were drafted in on Tuesday to supervise the march Credit: Getty 6 The four-star hotel is located in London's eastern financial district Credit: Getty
