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Spectator
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Two-tier policing has arrived in Epping
When it comes to protests against immigration and asylum hotels, accusations of two-tier policing are never far away. This week the spotlight has fallen on Essex Police, and its handling of a demonstration last week by Epping residents against an asylum hotel in the town, following an alleged sexual assault by a recently arrived Ethiopian migrant believed to be housed there. Essex Police has today tried to set the record straight Essex Police has been forced to admit that they escorted activists from the group Stand up to Racism to the Bell Hotel, the site of the protest. In video footage, police can be seen walking along an Epping street flanking a column of protesters, with two officers clearly at the head of the column and escorting it. Soon after this, the counter-protestors would reach the hotel. Why did the police lead them there? Assistant chief constable Stuart Hooper told the Telegraph: 'We have a reasonable duty to protect people who want to exercise their rights. In terms of bringing people to the hotel, the police have a duty to facilitate free assembly.' This afternoon, at a press conference trying to explain what had happened, chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington stood by this rationale. 'There is a duty on policing to allow people to exercise their right to assembly and protest', he said. That is one part of the police's duty – but there is also the duty to keep order and to keep people safe. Here were hundreds of justifiably angry locals demonstrating after a migrant allegedly sexually assaulted a schoolgirl from their community. Into the middle of this, Essex Police officers escorted dozens of protestors from out of town who were chanting 'refugees welcome here'. After this incomprehensible, dangerous decision, violence ensued, including against police officers. What on Earth were they thinking? This was the crucial question chief constable Harrington had to answer at today's press conference. Did he stand by that decision, asked GB News's Charlie Peters, given that it's obvious these opposing groups would 'confront each other and generate… hostility'? Harrington didn't deign to answer. 'It's not for me to comment… [on] that operation', he said. Harrington rejected calls from Reform's Nigel Farage to resign over the debacle. Harrington may be unwilling to take responsibility for this, but it seems Essex Police already know that escorting the counter-protestors to the hotel was a mistake. Why else would the force initially feel moved to deny that it had done so? First, it made no mention of this inconvenient fact in its statement on Friday about the previous evening's events. And then, when journalist and Spectator contributor David Shipley asked the force for comment over the weekend about the events of Thursday, Essex Police insisted that it had only escorted protestors away from the scene after tensions flared – not to the hotel. This face-saving narrative has now entirely unravelled after careful examination of locals' footage. Harrington's non-answer is clearly an inadequate response which will only add to longstanding anger about two-tier policing. In the policing of the disorder that ensued, we saw one man appear to be hit in the face with a riot shield, while another was apparently driven into by a police van and pushed down the street, before managing to get out the way. This makes for a striking contrast with the footage of officers escorting protestors around the town. Essex Police has today tried to set the record straight. In reality, it's done anything but.
Spectator
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
The women of Epping don't need Tommy Robinson's help
The people of Epping have a message for Tommy Robinson: stay away. The far-right activist is currently mulling joining protestors in Essex who have taken to the street outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers. While there have been violent clashes between police and demonstrators – and a number of arrests – many of those who have gathered have done so peacefully. They deserve to be listened to. Yet the arrival of Robinson would make it easy for politicians to cast these locals as far right – and ignore them. Even Robinson doesn't seem able to make his mind up about what to do. On Sunday, he tweeted: 'Hear you loud and clear, I'm coming to Epping next Sunday ladies and bringing thousands more with me'. By lunchtime on Monday, Robinson appeared to have had second thoughts, posting a video in which he appeared to backtrack. The far-right activist said that, despite people asking him to go to Epping, he thinks it 'may not benefit the cause'. He went on to describe the Epping protests – which erupted after the arrest and charge of an asylum seeker last week on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town – as involving 'local families, local women, local mothers, local children'. He noted that his presence might give the authorities an 'excuse' to 'label it a different way'. Robinson might be desperate for attention, but he isn't stupid. Many locals in Epping would certainly prefer Robinson stays away. Monday night's peaceful protest began with the striking sight of a line of women holding hands and chanting 'protect our kids'. They waved hand-made signs with slogans such as 'Make England safe again', 'I'm not far right – I'm worried about my kids' and 'deport foreign criminals'. Orla Minihane is one local mum who is worried. A Reform council candidate, she found herself giving an impromptu speech on Thursday, as violent clashes were beginning between locals, counterprotestors from Stand up to Racism, and police. Speaking through a megaphone, Orla described the crowd as 'good, local, taxpaying people', who 'don't want trouble, don't want fights', but who oppose the presence of hundreds of strange, threatening men in their community. When I spoke with Orla she made it clear to me that the community's concerns are not about race: 'I wouldn't care if they were from Iceland, blonde, blue-eyed and Christian. At the end of the day, they're strange men who nobody has checked'. She described increasing fears in the Epping area over the past year, as women have reported being followed home and blatant shoplifting has soared. There have been reports of men approaching young girls outside schools. Yet the authorities seem reluctant to provide specific details about the men involved, adding to the suspicion and distrust felt by the local community. For many locals, the arrest and charge of an asylum seeker this month was the final straw. Reform leader Nigel Farage has said that most of the protestors in Epping are 'genuinely concerned families', before warning that politicians shouldn't 'underestimate the simmering anger and disgust…that we are letting in every week hundreds of undocumented young males from cultures where women and girls are not even treated as second class citizens'. Farage went on to say 'I don't think anybody in London even understands how close we are to civil disobedience on a vast scale in this country'. Perhaps Tommy Robinson won't turn up in Epping. Or perhaps his love of the limelight will draw him there. If he does attend next Sunday though, it would likely mean significantly more violence. Stand Up To Racism have already announced a 'No to fascist Tommy Robinson' protest to begin in Epping next Sunday afternoon. If they, and Robinson's followers, attend in large numbers, large-scale disorder may be inevitable. This would be in no one's interests, and would harm the local campaign, likely allow the government to paint all opposition to migrant hotels as 'far right' and do nothing to make the women and girls of Epping safe. Let's hope Robinson stays away, and the peaceful, local voices are heard.
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Thousands expected for march to support refugees in Glasgow
Thousands of people are expected to join the event through the city centre. It has been organised by the Stand up to Racism campaign and backed by organisations including Scottish Refugee Council, Positive Action on Housing and STUC. READ NEXT: Police complain Sheku Bayoh sign at Kelvingrove Museum is 'biased' A march will start at Barrowlands Park in the East End and follow Moir Street, London Road, Trongate, Glassford Street, Ingram Street, South Fredrick Street, George Square, St. Vincent Place, St. Vincent Street, Renfield Street, Union Street, Argyle Street, Queen Street, Ingram Street, Candleriggs and end at The Old Fruit Market. At the Old Fruitmarket, a rally will take place with speakers and music. Around 2000 people are anticipated to join the march to coincide with World Refugee Day. Refugee Festival Scotland urged people to take part and show solidarity with refuges in Glasgow and around the world. READ NEXT:ABC owners brand Mack rebuild a 'pastiche' as war of words deepens It said: 'Join us for a procession through Glasgow city centre in solidarity with people seeking safety, followed by a carnival hosted by Love Music Hate Racism in the Old Fruitmarket. 'Refugees are an integral part of our communities, workplaces and families. Join us to demand safe passage and support the 'Lift the Ban' campaign to grant asylum seekers the right to work.' The march and rally is the culmination of the Refugee Festival Scotland, taking place this month, which has seen music, culture, art, education and sporting events in Glasgow and across the country. Refugee Festival Scotland said: 'In these tough times, bringing people from different backgrounds together to build friendship, solidarity and a sense of shared community is more important than ever. 'By uniting against racist violence and calling out hostile UK government policies, we're showing that a better way is possible. 'Let's celebrate the music, dance, food, art, language and ideas that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.'
Edinburgh Live
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh police patrol far-right demonstration as counter-protestors face off
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A far-right protest in Edinburgh's Old Town is being patrolled by police as counter protestors turned up to shout chants and boo the campaigners. Officers were forced to form a line between the two groups who gathered outside of St Giles' Cathedral on West Parliament Square. Far-right protestors have gathered as a part of The Great British National Strike which saw demonstrations all over the country on Saturday, May 24. Unite, Stand up to Racism and Pro Palestine counter-protests attended the demonstration in droves with hundreds in attendance in comparison to the small group of around 15 far-right activists. Hussein, one of those countering The Great British National Strike, told Edinburgh Live: "We've been here to approach the fascists that wanted to gather today on the steps of St Giles. We've prevented them from doing that. We want to move them off. There is no place for fascists. "I wasn't expecting the turnout, it's more than I expected. Need to mobilize to make sure [there are] bigger numbers than next time." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. (Image: Edinburgh Live) Onlookers have also gathered to observe the protest. Goran, a 23-year-old student from the Netherlands said: Looking at the protest and counter protest, can hear it in the background. Parts are yelling 'nazi scum' and some, 'refugees go home'. We weren't expecting it." Goran and his group were on their way to the writer's museum when they heard the chants. He continued: "Similar things are going on in the Netherlands. Interesting to see protestors and counter protestors so close to each other in the line with the police. Never seen something like that in the Netherlands. Interesting to see both sides, one is significantly bigger than the other."
The Guardian
25-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Reform UK will go to war with teaching unions, says Nigel Farage
The Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has accused 'left-wing' teaching unions of poisoning the minds of young people 'against everything this country has ever stood for'. His outburst came after anti-racist campaigners disrupted a Reform UK event on Tuesday where Farage was due to announce the party's candidate for the forthcoming mayoral election in Doncaster. Eight protesters, understood to come from the Stand up to Racism campaign, heckled Farage and were escorted out of the venue in South Yorkshire, to jeers from the audience. Describing one protester as a 'saddo', and another as a 'loser', Farage criticised the educational establishment for nurturing views such as those held by the protesters. 'That's what you get, folks, when teaching unions in this country are poisoning the minds of young people, not just against Reform, but against everything this country has ever stood for,' he told his audience. 'I'll make it clear, when we're in a position of power, we will go to war with these left-wing teaching unions and make sure our kids are taught properly.' Farage dismissed the protesters as 'boring' and told them to go back to school, adding: 'We will not be stopped by a ranting student mob, we will fight on and win these elections in Doncaster.' He went on: 'We know these hard-left organisations are going to do everything … go back to school please, we know what's going to happen. Boring, boring, boring. 'They will do everything they can to stop this being a free and fair election. Have a look at that. The anger, the anger, You must be at university.' Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, described Farage's attack on teachers and unions as 'unhinged', and 'copied from the Trump playbook'. He added: 'Schools and colleges work to educate our children in a fair and balanced way and to foster respect and collaboration. These are principles that will be alien to the leader of Reform. 'It is clear from the exchange in Doncaster that Reform have nothing to say on education and instead seeks to attack teachers and their unions. An unhinged move, copied from the Trump playbook.' Sabby Dhalu, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism, said the group had challenged Farage because he and his party were 'trying to spread hate and division at a time when we need unity'. Weyman Bennett, another co-convener, said: 'Reform claims to stand for ordinary people, but its real agenda is one of division and distraction. Farage is a millionaire banker who does not represent working-class interests.' According to the party's manifesto, Reform UK's education policies include plans for a 'patriotic' curriculum, a ban on 'transgender ideology' in primary and secondary schools, tax relief of 20% on private schools and cuts to funding for universities 'that undermine free speech'. Alexander Jones is Reform's candidate in the mayoral election. Farage described him as 'young, energetic and exactly what's needed to get Doncaster back on track'. Jones said: 'Growing up in Doncaster showed me how our communities can be forgotten and failed by politicians who promise much but deliver little.'
