Planned demonstrations at United Kingdom asylum hotels amid growing discontent due to record-breaking asylum claims
In the UK, the asylum system is facing a series of challenges, with protests, legal actions, and rising numbers of asylum seekers causing a stir.
Protest groups have announced plans for 'big' turnouts this weekend, with large quantities of placards and flags prepared. Counter-mobilisations are also being coordinated by Stand Up to Racism, who warn of a potential increase in far-right demonstrations. Organisers claim the protests will be peaceful, but anti-racism groups are preparing counter-protests and warn of potential disruption.
The Home Office is making progress in reducing the reliance on asylum hotels. Plans to close 150 such hotels by the beginning of May have been announced, with an additional 50 closures expected soon. This is significant, as the goal of closing all such hotels is being pursued. However, the rise in hotel use for asylum seekers has risen 8% in the same period, from 29,585 to 32,059 people.
The closure of asylum hotels is not without controversy. The High Court has granted an injunction to Epping Forest District Council, halting migrant accommodation at The Bell Hotel due to lack of planning consent and public safety concerns. Yet, in a separate case, the High Court has also granted an injunction to Epping Forest District Council, requiring The Bell Hotel to remain open to migrants, despite protests and planning concerns.
Some Labour-controlled councils are exploring legal avenues to shut down hotel accommodation locally, seen as a vote of no confidence in the central government's approach. Conservative, Reform, and Advance UK figures, including Robert Jenrick, Ben Habib, Richard Tice, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, are encouraging residents to protest peacefully and press councils to pursue court action.
Meanwhile, ministers are facing criticism for overseeing record-high asylum claims and a rise in hotel numbers, opening themselves to accusations of poor management and a lack of control over the system. New figures show that 111,000 people claimed asylum in the UK during Keir Starmer's first year in office, a record high and nearly double the level in 2021.
Greater Manchester Police will attend planned protests to facilitate peaceful demonstrations, with additional units on standby for any potential criminality. At least 22 protests are scheduled across the UK this weekend and next week, in locations including Cardiff, Chichester, Manchester, Liverpool, and Aberdeen.
Councils across the country are reviewing the implications of the Epping injunction, with some considering legal routes of their own. As the situation continues to unfold, the UK's asylum system faces a crucial test, with calls for order, safety, and a more effective system growing louder.
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