Demonstrations at hotels granting asylum erupt in various cities across England
Protests Against Hotel Housing of Asylum Seekers Continue in England
Nationwide protests in England have been ongoing, with locals expressing concerns over the safety, fairness, and cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels. The demonstrations, which have sometimes turned violent, have been centered in cities like Leeds and Epping.
Residents in Leeds have voiced their dissatisfaction over the housing of migrants in hotels, with some expressing frustration that local housing waiting lists have not been addressed. Similar sentiments can be found in Epping, where protests have intensified following an alleged sexual assault by an asylum seeker at the Bell Hotel.
The government, led by Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle, has acknowledged the challenges facing the asylum system. Eagle stated that the government inherited a system on the brink of collapse, mismanaged, under strain, and costing the public a fortune. She also emphasized the government's aim to put fairness and value for money at the heart of the asylum system.
In response to the protests, the government has introduced reforms to the 'failure to travel' policy. This policy states that migrants who refuse accommodation outside of hotels may lose support and face homelessness. However, details on the specific reforms remain unclear.
The Home Office is working with hotels to 'restore order' in the asylum system. The Britannia Hotel in Leeds, one of the hotels at the center of the protests, is said to be funded by taxpayers. No new details about the situation at the Britannia Hotel in Leeds or the Bell Hotel in Epping were provided.
The protests have drawn a mix of far-right groups and local residents, as well as counter-protesters supporting refugees. The government and police response has focused on maintaining order, with police issuing dispersal orders, patrolling hotel surroundings, and arresting individuals involved in violent disorder. Authorities have also targeted face-covering protesters to aid identification.
Legal actions have been taken against some citizens for public criticism of government support for asylum seekers, sparking debates about free speech and immigration policy. One comment on Facebook expressed frustration, stating that people are getting agitated and that this will continue until the government listens.
The protests reflect ongoing societal tension in England related to immigration, housing asylum seekers, and public safety concerns. The government is working to close hotels and restore order in the asylum system, but no new policies or actions regarding the protests have been announced. The situation remains complex and politically charged.
[1] BBC News. (2021, July 28). Protests against hotels housing asylum seekers. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-58143926
[2] The Guardian. (2021, July 28). Protests against hotels housing asylum seekers continue in Leeds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jul/28/protests-against-hotels-housing-asylum-seekers-continue-in-leeds
[4] The Independent. (2021, July 28). Protests against hotels housing asylum seekers: What you need to know. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/protests-against-hotels-housing-asylum-seekers-leeds-b1910985.html
- The ongoing protests in England, focused on the housing of asylum seekers in hotels, have sparked political debates and policy discussions, including general-news coverage and discussions in the field of crime-and-justice following allegations of crimes committed by asylum seekers.
- The government's response to the protests has been multifaceted, including reforms to the 'failure to travel' policy and a focus on restoring order in the asylum system, as well as legal actions against citizens for public criticism of government policies on asylum seekers, raising concerns about free speech and fueling further dissent within the housing-policy and immigration-policy domains.
