Protests erupted in several of London’s wealthier neighborhoods against the government’s use of hotels to house asylum seekers, illuminating deep divisions in the city. On Saturday, the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington became a focal point for demonstrations. Several hundred anti-migrant protesters gathered, chanting and waving union flags, demanding the removal of asylum seekers from the site. In response, a larger group of counter-demonstrators, organized by Stand Up To Racism and backed by local politicians and community groups, rallied nearby to show support for migrants and affirm that refugees are welcome in the UK. Some of the migrants living in the hotel, mostly young men, were seen smiling and filming the protests from open hotel windows.
Tensions mounted as masked anti-fascist activists clashed briefly with anti-migrant protesters, requiring police intervention. The Metropolitan Police quickly separated the groups and enforced strict protest conditions, keeping each faction in designated areas and limiting the time and place of assemblies. Nine arrests were made for breaches of public order, demonstrating the authorities’ efforts to maintain peace. Police emphasized their impartiality and commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest while preventing disorder.
This unrest in Islington is part of a wider spike in protests across England, including Canary Wharf, Epping, and Newcastle, where communities have expressed anxieties fueled by social media rumors and concerns over asylum seekers arriving via small boats across the Channel. The government’s plan to reduce the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels continues amid ongoing public debate about community safety, misinformation, and the challenges of social cohesion. Local authorities and law enforcement urge responsible discourse to avoid inflaming tensions, while remaining focused on supporting vulnerable migrants and protecting all citizens.
