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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Coalition of left-wing firebrands and trade unions behind wave of pro-migrant counter-protests outside asylum seeker hotels
A coalition of left-wing firebrands and trade union barons are behind the group spearheading a wave of pro-migrant counter-protests outside asylum seeker hotels. Activists from Stand Up to Racism have been sent their marching orders ahead of a series of planned demonstrations this weekend. Fresh rallying cries to 'stand together against the far right' have already gone out this week to the campaign group's army loyal follows on social media. Meanwhile, other activists have been seen on streets in London handing out fliers urging people to 'defend refugees' from controversial right-wing political activist, Tommy Robinson, who they claim is 'mobilising the far-right'. Pro-migration supporters have already been involved in the demonstrations outside migrant hotels in Canary Wharf, London this week, and The Bell Hotel in Epping, in Essex, earlier this month. This week video footage emerged of a group of pro-migrant protesters, carrying placards for Stand Up to Racism, being escorted by police to the The Bell Hotel - where violent clashes later erupted. Stand Up to Racism, made up of a nationwide network of cells and local bodies, is partly funded by trade unions and led by Diane Abbot, the suspended Labour MP. It frequently campaigns against individual political figures as well as parties - with the likes of Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage, US President Donald Trump and former Tory immigration minister Robert Jenrick among those to face the group's wrath. It's leadership is split across a series of figures and regional heads, who help to co-ordinate protests. Ms Abbott, 71, is the organisation's president. The veteran MP was suspended for a second time earlier this month for her controversial comments on racism. Ms Abbott, who made history in 1987 by becoming the first black woman ever elected to parliament, is facing an investigation after defending a previous claim that Jews experience racism differently than black people. She made the remark more than two years ago that people of colour experienced racism 'all their lives', which was different from the 'prejudice' experienced by Jews, the Irish and Travellers. In a statement to Newsnight following her suspension, Ms Abbott said: 'It is obvious this Labour leadership wants me out. My comments in the interview … were factually correct, as any fair-minded person would accept.' Supporting Ms Abbott in Stand Up to Racism is Daniel Kebede, who is the group's vice-president. Mr Kebede is the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU)- which staged a total of 593 days of local teacher walkouts in 2024 and is Britain's biggest education union. The education chief hit the headlines earlier this year after demanding ministers bring in a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools. He warned children have access to 'hardcore pornography' on their phones which is 'damaging' to both boys and girls, and said Keir Starmer must take a stronger stance on outlawing phones from the classroom. And in April he was forced to defend the NEU after it sparked an 'anti-Israel' row following its pledge to produce school resources to 'raise awareness' of the war in Palestine. The union voted to develop materials for its half a million members to use in classrooms about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, one of its own members accused the union of presenting a 'one-sided' and 'anti-Israel' view, saying the plans could fuel anti-Semitism in schools. Peter Block, 76, a Jewish NEU member and retired teacher, said: 'They are trying to filter into the curriculum this one-sided view. 'It's anti-Israel. But how is vilification of Israel helping with anti-Semitism?' The comments forced a response from Mr Kebede, who denied the NEU was hostile to Jewish members and added that the materials produced would not be biased. 'Teachers have professional standards. They must teach from an impartial standpoint. Everybody recognises that and this union will only ever advise members on that,' he said. 'Whatever we produce will be obviously within the line of the law.' Others in prominent roles within Stand Up to Racism include railway baron Mick Whelan, who oversaw two years of train strike misery as general secretary of the Aslef union. He currently the 'anti-racism' group's vice-chairman. Kevin Courtney, Mr Kebede's predecessor, also sits on the campaign's committee as a co-chairman. In March, the campaign group held its annual trade union conference, where speakers included Mr Kebede and Mr Whelan as well as the head of equalities and the anti-racist taskforce chairman at the TUC, Patrick Roach. Mr Roach is also the general secretary of teaching union NASUWT - and was this year made a CBE by the King for his services to education. Titles of workshops held over the day included: 'Return to 1930s: the changing face of fascism and our unions' [sic] role in fighting it' and 'Trade Union Network to Stop the Far Right: developing organising online and in the workplace.' During the event, it is claimed Mr Roach gave a rallying cry to union officials to rail against Nigel Farage's political party. 'We can't defeat Reform without exposing the racism,' he is reported to have said. Also involved in the coalition are members of the Green Party in Tower Hamlets, London, who helped stage a 'small' counter-protest outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf this week. The luxury four-star venue is the latest to have been taken over by the Home Office and transformed into a migrant hotel - sparking fury locally. Tower Hamlets Green Party councillor Nathalie Bienfait took part in the counter rally on Tuesday - where she was told to 'f*** off' by an anti-migration protester. Ms Bienfait claims to have a degree in international and European law from a Dutch university, and a masters in environment and sustainability from Birkbeck, University of London. She later spent almost five years as a marketing specialist before becoming a councillor in May 2022. Writing on X about her rally outside the migrant hotel she said: 'We were holding small signs saying "refugees are welcome" and calling for "safe and legal routes now". 'What we can't do is blame asylum seekers for our failing public services. These are the most vulnerable people in our world and they have no safe or legal routes to this country and also have no choice over where the Home Office puts them.' One video went viral of her challenging protesters outside the hotel. It showed her being verbally abused, with one protester later saying migrants have 'got the whole of Europe to go to'. 'Yeah they've got the whole of Europe, but, why should we put that burden on the rest of Europe?' Ms Bienfait replied. 'We still have to take responsibility for the fact that we have a lot of stakes in the conflict and climate crisis that causes people be refugees and have to come to another country.' It's feared a fresh round of protests could take place at Canary Wharf, Epping and elsewhere in the coming days. Police chiefs already fear the UK is on the cusp of a summer of violence that forces nationwide would struggle to deal with, due to manpower issues. Officers could now be dragged away from neighbourhood duties to keep the peace at rallies outside migrant hotels, said Tiff Lynch, head of the Police Federation. Ms Lynch said officers were being 'pulled in every direction' and commanders were 'forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps'. She said if violent protests spread throughout the summer, it would be 'dangerous to assume' that police forces would be able to 'hold the line indefinitely' 'It would be comical if it weren't so serious - and so familiar. Local commanders are once again being forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps,' she wrote in the Telegraph. She said Epping was 'not just a troubling one-off', adding: 'It was a signal flare. A reminder of how little it takes for tensions to erupt and how ill-prepared we remain to deal with it.' In a statement, a spokeswoman for Stand Up to Racism said they were 'deeply concerned that the recent demonstrations that led to violence and rioting at The Bell Hotel in Epping were not organised by local mums and concerned residents'. The spokesman continued: 'They were organised by Neo-Nazi group Homeland, that is seeking to wind up the local community and stir up racism to build a fascist movement.' They also said the group 'receives funding from members, affiliates, including trade unions'.
Metro
a day ago
- Politics
- Metro
‘Ring of steel' around 4-star hotel in London after anti-migrant protests
A ring of steel has been erected around a London hotel housing migrants after a second night of protests. Images show large metal barriers installed outside The Brittania International Hotel in Canary Wharf after anti-migrant rallies have surrounded the building the last two nights. Security guards have also been seen wearing face masks as they man the 500 room hotel, which is one of the latest to be turned into migrant accommodation. Eggs were thrown at protesters last night, with shells appearing to have been chucked from nearby high rises. Existing hotel staff said they had been made redundant, with agency staff being brought in to run the hotel. A mum-of-two who worked there told Metro: 'I don't think it's right that I and all the staff have been given redundancy letters. We are taxpayers and have done nothing wrong. 'Now we will struggle to make ends meet. We are gutted.' It is feared the protests will continue into the weekend and at other migrant hotels. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, warned he would bring thousands with him to more planned protests across the country. More than 150 gathered outside The Park Hotel in Diss, Norfolk, on Monday, after the Home Office announced the hotel will house single asylum seeking men rather than families. The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, saw violent clashes after one of the asylum seekers was charged with sexually assaulting schoolgirls in the area. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Police could be seen lining up outside the entrance of the hotel, with one protester wearing a St George's Flag warned the Express: 'This place is a tinderbox, mark my word.' Newly-appointed shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly said he understands 'the desire to protest' when asked about demonstrations outside hotels believed to be housing asylum seekers. Asked if he has sympathy for people protesting outside asylum hotels, the Tory MP told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I understand the desire to protest. 'There is never any excuse for rioting and we are seeing that agitators, both on the left and the right, are descending upon these communities to try and stir things up and there's never an excuse for that, but I do understand why local people are frustrated.' Police hit out at 'hooligans' after spending £100,000 to tackle the acts of violent disorder. Chf Supt Simon Anslow said: 'The cost of policing criminal incidents in Epping over the last week has reached £100,000 – money which we would much rather spend on continuing to cut crime across Essex and keeping our neighbourhoods safe.' Neighbours also shouted 'Go home' to protesters hurling rocks and flares at police. Five men have been charged after the alleged violent disorder in Epping. Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive in Loughton, Essex, denied violent disorder at Southend Magistrates' Court, but entered no plea to another charge of criminally damaging a sign at the hotel by shaking it. 51-year-old Dean Smith, of Madells in Epping, entered no plea to a charge of using or threatening the use of unlawful violence at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. He was remanded in custody until the August hearing. A 47-year-old and a 36-year-old man, both from the Epping Forest district, were also charged with violent disorder on Tuesday. A 34-year-old man from Wickford was accused of failing to remove a face covering. The three men were due to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on 18 August, Essex Police said. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Uncle 'threw infant niece down three-storey rubbish chute' MORE: Two women killed after rubber rings plunged down waterfall named MORE: Iconic cafe serving the 'best full English breakfast' in London has been saved
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Migrant hotel hit by protests in Norfolk threatens to close if Home Office pushes ahead with plans to replace resident asylum seeker families with single adult men
A Norfolk migrant hotel hit by protests has threatened to close if the Home Office pushes ahead with plans to replace the families it is currently housing with single men. Around 150 people gathered outside the Park Hotel in Diss on Monday night for a 'peaceful' demonstration after the Home Office announced the proposed change. But footage posted on social media, including by supporters of far right activist Tommy Robinson, showed clashes between pro and anti-migrant groups. The owners of the Park Hotel have now issued a statement insisting they will not agree to the request to move away from only housing families. 'We would also like to confirm and reassure the community of Diss that we have advised the Home Office and other stakeholders that, should this situation change, and we are formally notified that the hotel will no longer operate as a family-only establishment, we will have no alternative but to close,' it read. 'There are currently vulnerable families and children staying at the hotel - many of whom are feeling frightened and uncertain about recent events at the hotel and their futures. We ask for understanding and sensitivity during this time.' The scuffles in Diss followed violence outside another hotel in Epping, Essex after an asylum seeker was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl eight days after arriving in the UK. Angela Rayner has warned that anger at high levels of illegal immigration is risking social cohesion in Britain's poorest communities and must be addressed, as fears grow of a new 'summer of riots'. The Deputy Prime Minister told the Cabinet yesterday that they had to 'acknowledge the real concerns people have' about immigration and economic insecurity. Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that Britain is a 'powder keg' that could explode into a repeat of the street violence that followed the Southport murders 12 months ago - unless Labour gets a grip on migrant hotels. Protesters took to the streets of Epping on Sunday - with marchers seen holding red smoke flares aloft as demonstrators displayed signs behind them According to the Prime Minister's official spokesman, Ms Rayner warned the Cabinet that '17 of the 18 places that saw the worst of the disorder last summer ranked at the top of the most deprived, and while Britain was a successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith country, the Government had to show it had a plan to address people's concerns (and) provide opportunities for everyone to flourish'. Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure to act to prevent a repeat of 2024, when towns and cities were hit by violent, often racist protests triggered by the Southport child murders. As the Commons prepares to break up today for its summer recess, Labour MPs have voiced fears that the country could see violence before they return in September, in a rerun of 12 months ago. The demonstration in Norfolk started with around 60 people shouting 'we want our country back'. They were met by about 30 counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism holding signs that read 'refugees welcome'. Footage shows them initially standing on opposite sides of the road outside the hotel. But as tension mounted, they clashed with one another, with protesters crossing the road to confront the counter-protesters. South Norfolk Council has opposed plans to change the use of the hotel to single adult male migrants, saying it only learned about it in a brief email from Whitehall last week. It has backed the stance taken by the hotel's owners. In a letter to the Home Office, council leader Daniel Elmer, wrote: 'We feel the decision and intended timeframe poses significant risks and concerns to both community cohesion and the vulnerable single males who would be residing at the hotel. 'The community impact of this change cannot be overstated. When the hotel was first opened for asylum accommodation, there was considerable unease among local residents.' He added: 'A sudden shift to a SAM [Single Adult Male] hotel risks reigniting those tensions, especially in the absence of any community engagement or mitigation strategy from the Home Office.' The Grade II listed Park Hotel is situated on a road containing a mixture of Victorian, Tudor, and Elizabethan houses right in the heart of the historic Diss town centre. It is adjacent to the mere, a popular destination for locals and tourists which offers scenic views and opportunities for recreation and wildlife viewing. Julian Bareham, 71, who has lived opposite the Park Hotel for 22 years, complained he didn't want 'these people' walking freely around the town. 'If they are locked in and can't get out, I will feel more at ease. We don't know what these people are capable of,' he said. 'The hotel used to be a nice friendly community hub, an amenity that was well-respected and useful for those needing an overnight stay who were coming here for business. It is a huge loss. 'After lockdown, the hotel never really recovered and the owners sold it to new owners who did a deal with the government and this deal, I believe, has been a disaster for the town.' But a 55-year-old man who lives near the hotel was supportive of the asylum seekers, however, and expressed concern about the tone of the protests. Counter-protesters gathered next to a 'stop the boat' banner holding posters up which said 'stop the far right' A police officer was seen with blood running down his cheek outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on July 20 'It was absolute chaos, people were shouting far right and ill-informed things about how these people will be molesting and raping the women and children of Diss,' he told the Mail. 'I felt absolutely threatened in my own home, they were saying that they are going to be coming every Sunday at 2pm. This is going to disrupt our peaceful family life and I am worried. 'I have no issues with peaceful protests but this was unorganised, people spilling on the streets nearly being run over. A blind woman had to walk onto the road as the pavements were flooded. 'We have had asylum seekers residing next door for the last three years or so, roughly, and there has never been any issues. It is far better and quieter than when the hotel was in operation.'
The Independent
2 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
2 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.
