Latest news with #Section42
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Watch moment asylum seeker pulls the middle finger & flicks cigarette at protesters outside £200 a night migrant hotel
THIS is the moment an asylum seeker flips the bird at protesters as he is escorted by a policeman into a £200 a night migrant hotel. The man also flicked a cigarette towards the 40-person group of shouting anti-migrant protesters as tensions flared outside The Chine Hotel in Boscombe, Bournemouth. 5 An asylum seeker flicking a cigarette (circled) towards protesters as he is escorted by a police officer into The Chine Hotel in Bournemouth Credit: BNPS 5 An anti-migrant protester waving a Union Jack flag outside The Chine Hotel on Monday Credit: BNPS 5 The man sticks his middle finger up at raging protesters The shocking footage was filmed during a heated protest in front of the Dorset hotel last Friday evening. As a young man is escorted by a police officer towards the seaside hotel, an anti-migrant protester is heard shouting: "Where are you from mate?" The migrant then flicks a cigarette towards the group before shouting back at them. Adding fuel to the fire, another protester can be heard asking him: "Were you running from a war?" The man stops before turning to give the crowd the middle finger. The Chine is one of three hotels in Bournemouth that are used to house asylum seekers and thereby closed to the public. The late 19th century hotel - visited by celebrities like Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy and Dame Vera Lynn - is known for its sea views. It has 88 rooms that showcase views of the sea or the landscaped gardens, along with indoor swimming pool and spa facilities. The honeymoon suite is said to cost £200 a night. The protest saw anti-migrant protesters passionately waving their Union Jack flags and playing patriotic songs like 'Three Lions' and 'Rule Britannia' on a loudspeaker. Watch moment migrant boat arrives on Spain hols beach before they are chased & tackled by angry locals A group from Stand Up To Racism, supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, showed up to form a counter-protest. They held up placards, reading: 'Refugees Welcome, Stop The Far Right'. Dozens of police officers created a barrier between the two groups as things became heated. Though one anti-immigration protester squared up to a police officer, no arrests were made during the three-hour protest. It comes as mothers and children dressed in pink protested outside Britain's most controversial migrant hotel on Saturday - before masked yobs hijacked the event and clashed with police. Demonstrators chanting 'Save our kids and women' shut down a busy road outside the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, East London. They were among 200 anti-migrant protesters waving flags, including a giant St George's Cross, and calling for an end to small boat crossings. On Sunday, the Met Police issued a Section 42 dispersal order banning some demonstrators from gathering outside the hotel for 28 days. 5 Anti-migrant protesters shouting at asylum seekers entering a hotel as police officers intervene on Monday Credit: BNPS
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Mums & children dressed in pink peacefully protest outside controversial migrant hotel before yobs clash with cops
They were among 200 anti-migrant marchers waving flags, including a giant St George's Cross, and calling for an end to small boat crossings THE PINK PROTEST Mums & children dressed in pink peacefully protest outside controversial migrant hotel before yobs clash with cops MOTHERS and children dressed in pink protested outside Britain's most controversial migrant hotel yesterday — before masked yobs hijacked the event and clashed with police. Demonstrators chanting 'Save our kids and women' shut down a busy road outside the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, East London. 5 Women make their point on the peaceful pink protest march Credit: Louis Wood 5 Migrants arriving at the Britannia in the early hours of Saturday 5 Women marching past the Britannia International yesterday Credit: Louis Wood They were among 200 anti-migrant marchers waving flags, including a giant St George's Cross, and calling for an end to small boat crossings. Last night, the Met Police issued a Section 42 dispersal order, in effect banning protests outside the hotel for 28 days. Videos online showed officers removing protesters after hotel residents claimed they faced 'distress and alarm' from demonstrators outside. One officer told a protester: 'You have to leave now and you're not to return within 28 days. 'If you don't comply with that, you will be arrested.' Earlier, women had performed a conga while a line of police guarded the 40 or so asylum seekers who were moved in under cover of darkness at 1.30am on Saturday. But the protest threatened to boil over shortly after 3pm when two men in balaclava masks threw red and white smoke flares. The pair were held and searched by police but released back into the crowds. Other masked thugs then stormed into the crowd, setting off flares. Yobs disguising their identities were surrounded by police as the women and children in pink dispersed. Protesters and police scuffle outside Thistle City Barbican Hotel Skirmishes broke out between officers and the masked demonstrators, all dressed in black, with at least one man led away in cuffs. After being held back from female protesters, the crowd of about 25 flare-wielding yobs instead charged towards metal fences set up around the perimeter of the hotel. They then began to chant: 'Let us through.' Protester Kim, 60, a resident of the area and part of the mothers' gathering, branded the violence disgraceful. She said: 'It ruined the atmosphere. I don't want to see that and I don't want my kids to see it either. 'If that was one of my children I would be embarrassed. This was meant to be a peaceful protest for women and children.' We're concerned for our women and children. We don't know who these people are, what beliefs they hold and if they have a criminal background elsewhere. Our women and children do not feel safe, and that's why we don't want them here Sun source The £425-a-night, 500-room hotel — said to have 'superb views over London' — was designated for asylum seekers two weeks ago. It meant tourists turning up with pre-existing bookings were turned away at the entrance by Home Office-contracted security guards. Yesterday, more footage went viral showing delivery motorbike drivers attempting to leave the hotel and being surrounded by protesters. It is thought the deliveries were for hotel staff and residents. Re-posting footage of the hotel yesterday, Tory MP and Shadow Cabinet minister Neil O'Brien blasted: 'Joke regime. We must end it all.' One mother at the protest told The Sun: 'We're concerned for our women and children. We don't know who these people are, what beliefs they hold and if they have a criminal background elsewhere. Our women and children do not feel safe, and that's why we don't want them here.' 5 Police tackle an anti-migrant protester near the luxury hotel Credit: George Cracknell Wright 5 Masked men let off red and white smoke flares during the protest Credit: George Cracknell Wright Local resident Jen, 28, told The Sun: 'I don't mind the fact they're immigrants, I am one myself. 'Everybody has their reasons to move but we're not happy with how we weren't informed.' A Met Police spokeswoman said: 'Officers are deployed in the vicinity of the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf. 'At one point, officers intervened after flares were let off in the crowd. 'Several people were searched. No further flares were found and there were no arrests. 'Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses, to ensure that any further protest takes place peacefully, and to respond to any incidents.' But the use of the flash financial district hotel, one of about 210 in use for asylum, was previously branded an 'insult' to taxpayers. The total asylum hotel bill is more than £3billion a year. Home Office officials have rented 400 rooms at the Britannia for £81-a-night, meaning the Canary Wharf bill alone will cost up to £226,000 a week. It was first reported at the end of July that the luxury four-star hotel — said to be 'the perfect base for a city break' — would be used to house migrants. Last week, workers were seen hauling beds and mattresses into the hotel for the arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers. Footage shared online caught all-male asylum seekers, most dressed in grey tracksuits, getting off a coach in the dark on Saturday. 'Insult' to taxpayers The first arrivals were led into the hotel to be given rooms. They were aided by the masked security guards. A Met Police spokeswoman confirmed at least one arrest was made outside the hotel. She said: 'One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker after an officer was pushed. He was taken into custody.' Nationwide protests on Saturday led to nine arrests. Residents in Islington, North London, gathered at the Thistle City Barbican hotel under the banner, 'Thistle Barbican needs to go — locals say no'. A rival group from Stand Up To Racism, supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, formed a counter-protest. Seven arrests were made related to breaching Public Order Act conditions. From inside the hotel, men, believed to be migrants, blew kisses. On Friday night, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson after a packet of lit firelighters was thrown at police at the Stanwell Hotel, Spelthorne, Surrey. National protests were sparked after Hadush Kebatu, 38, an Ethiopian asylum seeker at the Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, which he denies.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Mums & children dressed in pink peacefully protest outside controversial migrant hotel before yobs clash with cops
They were among 200 anti-migrant marchers waving flags, including a giant St George's Cross, and calling for an end to small boat crossings THE PINK PROTEST Mums & children dressed in pink peacefully protest outside controversial migrant hotel before yobs clash with cops MOTHERS and children dressed in pink protested outside Britain's most controversial migrant hotel yesterday — before masked yobs hijacked the event and clashed with police. Demonstrators chanting 'Save our kids and women' shut down a busy road outside the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, East London. Advertisement 5 Women make their point on the peaceful pink protest march Credit: Louis Wood 5 Migrants arriving at the Britannia in the early hours of Saturday 5 Women marching past the Britannia International yesterday Credit: Louis Wood They were among 200 anti-migrant marchers waving flags, including a giant St George's Cross, and calling for an end to small boat crossings. Last night, the Met Police issued a Section 42 dispersal order, in effect banning protests outside the hotel for 28 days. Videos online showed officers removing protesters after hotel residents claimed they faced 'distress and alarm' from demonstrators outside. One officer told a protester: 'You have to leave now and you're not to return within 28 days. Advertisement 'If you don't comply with that, you will be arrested.' Earlier, women had performed a conga while a line of police guarded the 40 or so asylum seekers who were moved in under cover of darkness at 1.30am on Saturday. But the protest threatened to boil over shortly after 3pm when two men in balaclava masks threw red and white smoke flares. The pair were held and searched by police but released back into the crowds. Advertisement Other masked thugs then stormed into the crowd, setting off flares. Yobs disguising their identities were surrounded by police as the women and children in pink dispersed. Protesters and police scuffle outside Thistle City Barbican Hotel Skirmishes broke out between officers and the masked demonstrators, all dressed in black, with at least one man led away in cuffs. After being held back from female protesters, the crowd of about 25 flare-wielding yobs instead charged towards metal fences set up around the perimeter of the hotel. Advertisement They then began to chant: 'Let us through.' Protester Kim, 60, a resident of the area and part of the mothers' gathering, branded the violence disgraceful. She said: 'It ruined the atmosphere. I don't want to see that and I don't want my kids to see it either. 'If that was one of my children I would be embarrassed. This was meant to be a peaceful protest for women and children.' Advertisement We're concerned for our women and children. We don't know who these people are, what beliefs they hold and if they have a criminal background elsewhere. Our women and children do not feel safe, and that's why we don't want them here Sun source The £425-a-night, 500-room hotel — said to have 'superb views over London' — was designated for asylum seekers two weeks ago. It meant tourists turning up with pre-existing bookings were turned away at the entrance by Home Office-contracted security guards. Yesterday, more footage went viral showing delivery motorbike drivers attempting to leave the hotel and being surrounded by protesters. It is thought the deliveries were for hotel staff and residents. Advertisement Re-posting footage of the hotel yesterday, Tory MP and Shadow Cabinet minister Neil O'Brien blasted: 'Joke regime. We must end it all.' One mother at the protest told The Sun: 'We're concerned for our women and children. We don't know who these people are, what beliefs they hold and if they have a criminal background elsewhere. Our women and children do not feel safe, and that's why we don't want them here.' 5 Police tackle an anti-migrant protester near the luxury hotel Credit: George Cracknell Wright 5 Masked men let off red and white smoke flares during the protest Credit: George Cracknell Wright Advertisement Local resident Jen, 28, told The Sun: 'I don't mind the fact they're immigrants, I am one myself. 'Everybody has their reasons to move but we're not happy with how we weren't informed.' A Met Police spokeswoman said: 'Officers are deployed in the vicinity of the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf. 'At one point, officers intervened after flares were let off in the crowd. Advertisement 'Several people were searched. No further flares were found and there were no arrests. 'Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses, to ensure that any further protest takes place peacefully, and to respond to any incidents.' But the use of the flash financial district hotel, one of about 210 in use for asylum, was previously branded an 'insult' to taxpayers. The total asylum hotel bill is more than £3billion a year. Advertisement Home Office officials have rented 400 rooms at the Britannia for £81-a-night, meaning the Canary Wharf bill alone will cost up to £226,000 a week. It was first reported at the end of July that the luxury four-star hotel — said to be 'the perfect base for a city break' — would be used to house migrants. Last week, workers were seen hauling beds and mattresses into the hotel for the arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers. Footage shared online caught all-male asylum seekers, most dressed in grey tracksuits, getting off a coach in the dark on Saturday. Advertisement 'Insult' to taxpayers The first arrivals were led into the hotel to be given rooms. They were aided by the masked security guards. A Met Police spokeswoman confirmed at least one arrest was made outside the hotel. She said: 'One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker after an officer was pushed. He was taken into custody.' Nationwide protests on Saturday led to nine arrests. Residents in Islington, North London, gathered at the Thistle City Barbican hotel under the banner, 'Thistle Barbican needs to go — locals say no'. Advertisement A rival group from Stand Up To Racism, supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, formed a counter-protest. Seven arrests were made related to breaching Public Order Act conditions. From inside the hotel, men, believed to be migrants, blew kisses. On Friday night, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson after a packet of lit firelighters was thrown at police at the Stanwell Hotel, Spelthorne, Surrey. National protests were sparked after Hadush Kebatu, 38, an Ethiopian asylum seeker at the Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, which he denies.
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SECP issues Investment Finance Services licence to Alif Finance
ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued an Investment Finance Services licence to Alif Finance (Private) Limited, authorizing it to operate as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) under the applicable regulatory framework. The swift and timely processing of the licence reflects SECP's ongoing commitment to regulatory efficiency, responsiveness, and facilitation of credible market entrants. Alif Finance (Private) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alif Capital Holdings, a regional financial group with existing operations in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan through Alif Bank and Alif Tech. The company introduces to Pakistan a business model centered on providing Shariah-compliant digital and conventional lending, with a focus on SME financing and Buy Now Pay Later solutions. This entry signals renewed investor confidence and positive momentum in foreign direct investment (FDI) into Pakistan's regulated financial sector. The approval of Alif Finance is part of SECP's broader agenda to facilitate reputable foreign institutions investing in Pakistan and to strengthen and diversify the NBFC sector by admitting well-structured, innovation-oriented companies. The Commission remains committed to promoting financial inclusion, enabling digital transformation, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment through the expeditious processing of licences for NBFCs, capital market entities, insurance companies, and Section 42 companies — achieving notably swift turnaround times. This approach facilitates sustainable investment across Pakistan's regulated financial services landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SECP issues consultation paper on ‘industry self-regulation'
ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Monday issued a strategic framework sets out a clear roadmap for eligible industry associations to transition into Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) over the next three years. The SECP has been working closely with the prominent industry bodies within its regulatory ambit, wherein, some associations are licensed as Section 42 companies and others are registered with Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) i.e. Pakistan Stock Broker Association (PSBA); Insurance Association of Pakistan (IAP); Mutual Fund Association of Pakistan (MUFAP); NBFI and Modaraba Association of Pakistan; Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) and Pakistan Fintech Network (PFN). In this regard, the SECP has issued Consultation Paper on Standard Principles for Recognition and Conduct of Industry Associations, introducing a strategic framework aimed at strengthening Pakistan's financial sector through enhanced self-regulation. The Commission further intends to facilitate the establishment of multiple industry associations to represent specialized sub-sectors within one regulated sector. This approach will enable more focused representation for distinct business categories such as leasing companies, modarabas, microfinance companies, as well as fintech firms operating within these sectors. Each association will operate within clearly defined mandates based on their respective sub-sector's characteristics and regulatory requirements. These SROs will be vested with the authority to set ethical standards, monitor industry conduct, enforce compliance, and drive sector-specific initiatives, all in alignment with SECP's overarching regulatory objectives. Key features of the proposal include the mandatory conversion of trade associations into Section 42 companies under the Companies Act, 2017, ensuring they operate as not-for-profit entities. This aims to enhance transparency, strengthen governance, and uphold financial integrity. The framework also aligns with international best practices, emphasizing diverse and merit-based membership, strong governance, conflict-of-interest safeguards, stakeholder engagement, fair dispute resolution, a robust code of conduct, and ongoing investment in training of members and investor education. To enhance sector-specific advocacy, the Commission encourages the establishment of specialized associations within regulated sectors, each focusing on distinct sub-sectors. This targeted approach enables tailored representation that addresses the unique operational dynamics, challenges, and compliance requirements of each segment. This initiative underscores SECP's commitment to nurturing a transparent, accountable, and competitive financial ecosystem. By enabling the evolution of industry associations into functional SROs, the Commission aims to elevate market integrity, build investor confidence, and foster sustainable sectoral growth, the SECP added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
