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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Alex Croft and Rebecca Whittaker

Asylum hotel protests latest: More anti-migrant demos underway as Government promises to overhaul appeals system

A wave of anti-migrant protests continued on Sunday, following scuffles between demonstrators and police yesterday.

Demonstrations under the Abolish Asylum System banner are scheduled in Solihull, Dudley, Epping, Stevenage, London, Manchester, and Norwich.

On Saturday, crowds of protesters were met by thousands of anti-racism counter-protesters at several of their anti-migration rallies, which were held in Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, and Horley in Surrey, and at Canary Wharf in central London on Saturday.

In Liverpool, 11 protesters were arrested during a protest led by UKIP outside St George’s Hall which was met with a counter-protests.

The government afterwards promised that a new fast-track asylum appeals process will be introduced to speed up the process of removing people with no right to be in the UK, as first reported in The Sunday Times, one day after Nigel Farage unveiled Reform UK’s ‘mass deportation’ plan for small boat arrivals.

Meanwhile, a security minister confirmed the government will challenge the High Court’s decision to prevent asylum seekers from being housed in The Bell Hotel.

Dan Jarvis said that the Home Office will appeal against the High Court’s refusal to allow it to intervene in the case of The Bell Hotel.

Key Points

  • Around 20 attend quiet protest in Canary Wharf
  • Government promises asylum appeals overhaul as hotel protests continue
  • Where and when are anti-migrant protests scheduled for Sunday?
  • Police arrest 11 in Liverpool protests on Saturday
  • Full report: Tensions flare on Saturday as protesters clash outside asylum hotels

First Minister of Scotland praised counter protesters for showing 'solidarity'

20:31 , Rebecca Whittaker

Perth Against Racism held a counter protest against an Abolish Asylum System demonstration outside the Radisson Hotel in Scotland.

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney praised the counter protesters for showing “solidarity” at the protest on Saturday.

He wrote in a post on X: “I am pleased people in #Perth have shown their solidarity with those who are fleeing conflict. Grateful to @PeteWishart and @PerthandKinross leadership of all parties for their words.”

Banners saying 'Deport foreign criminals' and 'Protect our kids' seen at Epping protest

20:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the former Bell hotel in Epping.

One man shouted through a loud hailer at the police: “You have joined the police force with good intent but unfortunately Starmer (Sir Keir Starmer) has turned you into stormtroopers – or rather Starmtroopers.

“You came here to do a good job to serve and protect the people.”

Banners saying “Deport foreign criminals” and “Protect our kids” along with St George’s flag bunting were strung along the barriers which held the protesters back from the road.

People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the former Bell Hotel in Epping. (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
A person demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the former Bell Hotel in Epping. (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Protesters were blasting out music and some of them stopped traffic to dance, at a protest in Epping

19:13 , Rebecca Whittaker

Dozens of people have gathered for an anti-migrant protest in Epping on Sunday.

At least 150 people – men, women and children – stood behind barriers, danced and cheered as a number of passing cars hooted their horns in support.

There was a heavy presence of uniformed police officers opposite them who were standing across the road guarding The Bell Hotel, which has become the focus of anti-migrant protests.

Full-height fencing was used to block off the entrance to the hotel.

The protesters were blasting out music and some of them stopped traffic to dance in the road and chant the name of activist Tommy Robinson.

People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the former Bell Hotel in Epping. (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
A police van outside the former Bell Hotel in Epping as people demonstrate under the Abolish Asylum System slogan (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Man arrested after woman racially abused while England flags were painted on homes in Essex

19:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

A man has been arrested after a video was shared online of St George's crosses being painted on homes in Essex and a woman being racially abused.

The clip appears to show two men painting red crosses on the white walls on flats above a parade of shops on Whitmore Way, in Basildon, Essex.

A third person films the men painting and a young girl can be seen watching.

At one stage in the video, racist abuse can be heard when a woman, who is wearing a headscarf, passes alongside some children.

Read more here:

Man arrested after woman racially abused while England flags were painted on homes

Pictured: Anti-migrant protesters gather outside Holiday Inn in Birmingham

18:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Castle Bromwich Holiday Inn in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA Wire)
Protesters look through a door as people demonstrate under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Castle Bromwich Holiday Inn in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA Wire)
A man puts up a St George's Cross flag on a lamp post as people demonstrate under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Castle Bromwich Holiday Inn in Birmingham. (Jacob King/PA Wire)

Pictured: Small anti-migrant protest in Canary Wharf

17:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

About 20 people attended an anti-migrant protest in Canary Wharf.

A woman carried a home made banner which read: “Tower Hamlets council house homeless Brits first” which had a St George’s flag drawn on it.

Another banner read: “Enough is enough protect our women and girls.”

Nancy Spencer, 47, and her daughter Sadie Bailey, age 10, at an Abolish Asylum System protest outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf (Yui Mok/PA Wire)
People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London. (Yui Mok/PA Wire)
People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London. (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

'We take great pride in being a city of sanctuary ', says MP for Perth following protests

17:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Perth Against Racism held a counter protest against an Abolish Asylum System demonstration outside the Radisson Hotel in Scotland.

The anti-racism activists at Stand Up To Racism’s Scottish branch declared “victory” over the anti-migrant protesters.

They accused anti-migrant protesters of having “targeted, harassed and screamed at a mum carrying a baby”.

MP for Perth and Kinross-shire Pete Wishart praised the anti-racism activists.

He wrote in a post on X: “Well done Perth. We take great pride in being a city of sanctuary and the far right will not stop us doing our bit to assist those fleeing conflict and oppression.”

Editorial: Nigel Farage must not be allowed to slander Britain as broken

16:48 , Rebecca Whittaker

The failures of asylum policy do not mean that this country is descending into violent disorder – or that Lucy Connolly is a martyr.

Truth, justice and fairness must remain cornerstones for the UK.

Read more here:

Nigel Farage must not be allowed to slander Britain as broken

Watch: Anti-immigration protesters hurl abuse as rival groups clash outside Horley hotel

16:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

How Gen Z are boosting Nigel Farage’s ‘Mega’ movement

16:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

As the mainstream parties focus on the needs and concerns of the older generations, they are failing to heed the frustrations of younger voters – and guess which political leader is raising his pint glass to that, writes Chloe Combi.

How Gen Z are boosting Nigel Farage’s ‘Mega’ movement

MP praises counter protesters in Liverpool for 'standing against those who peddle hate'

15:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Following a protest by UKIP, Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside praised the members of the counter protest.

“So proud of my city today: standing against those who peddle hate and seek to divide us,” she wrote on X.

Police made 11 arrests in Liverpool following a protest by UKIP and a counter-protest on Saturday.

People from different groups gathered outside St George’s Hall from around 11am on Saturday morning and there was a large police presence to ensure the safety of all those taking part and the wider public.

A march by UKIP began at around 1.20pm, but shortly afterwards the procession was directed back to St George’s Hall.

Around 20 attend quiet protest in Canary Wharf

15:01 , Alex Croft

Two uniformed police stood guard at the entrance to the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, east London, which has recently been the focus of anti-migrant protests.

Security guards could also be seen standing behind full length barriers that blocked off the entrance way.

About 20 protesters stood quietly on the other side of the road with Union flags propped up against a fence.

They ranged in ages from an adult wearing a t-shirt bearing the name of activist Tommy Robinson to a schoolgirl wearing a Union flag dress and bow in her hair. She had tied a St George’s flag around her shoulders.

A woman carried a home made banner which read: “Tower Hamlets council house homeless Brits first” which had a St George’s flag drawn on it.

Another banner read: “Enough is enough protect our women and girls.”

People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

In pictures: Anti-migrant protesters gather in Birmingham

14:27 , Alex Croft
People demonstrating under the Abolish Asylum System slogan outside the Castle Bromwich Holiday Inn in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA Wire)
There have not been reports of any arrests (Jacob King/PA Wire)
It is unclear whether counter-demonstrators took to the streets as they did on Friday and Saturday (Jacob King/PA Wire)

'Misinformation' sparked asylum protest in Perth, says council leader

14:01 , Alex Croft

A council leader has said “completely false” claims of further asylum hotels opening up in the area were made ahead of Saturday’s protest in Perth.

Abolish Asylum System held the protest outside the Radisson Blu hotel in the city on Saturday morning.

It was met with a counter-protest organised by Perth Against Racism, with the two sides chanting and shouting at each other before dispersing.

Grant Laing, the SNP leader of Perth and Kinross council, spoke to BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show radio programme about the demonstration.

He said: “A lot of this in Perth started off two or three weeks ago when there was a claim there was another hotel or two hotels going to be used for housing asylum seekers – completely false.

“The council speaks to the UK Government weekly about what’s happening.

“There was never any intention or even any application from Mears on behalf of the UK Government, for imminently other people coming to and stay in hotels in Perth.

“It’s this sort of misinformation that happens.”

Watch: Dan Jarvis says government to appeal against Epping asylum hotel ruling

13:30 , Alex Croft

What happened at Saturday's asylum protest in Horley?

13:02 , Alex Croft

In Horley, Surrey, about 200 anti-immigration protesters draped in St George and Union flags clashed with roughly 50 Stand Up to Racism protesters.

The two groups almost came together in the early afternoon, with lines of police separating them.

The Stand Up to Racism protesters were shepherded into a smaller area as they continued to chant “no hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here”, which were met with “no they’re f****** not” from the other side of the street.

Three people were arrested, two for breach of the peace and one for breaching the conditions of a community protection notice, Surrey Police said.

A counter-protester speaks to a Stand Up to Racism protester in Horley (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

Government promises asylum appeals overhaul as hotel protests continue

12:31 , Alex Croft

A new fast-track asylum appeals process will be introduced to speed up the process of removing people with no right to be in the UK, Yvette Cooper has promised, amid protests about the use of hotel accommodation for migrants.

The Home Secretary said “completely unacceptable” delays in the appeals process left failed asylum seekers in the system for years.

There are about 51,000 asylum appeals waiting to be heard, taking on average more than a year to reach a decision.

Read the full report:

Government promises asylum appeals overhaul as hotel protests continue

Anti-racism campaigners celebrate as anti-migrant protesters escorted away

12:01 , Alex Croft

Farage to tell Lucy Connolly's story in visit to US Congress - report

11:29 , Alex Croft

Nigel Farage is set to champion Lucy Connolly’s story while giving evidence at a free speech hearing at US Congress next month, The Telegraph is reporting.

The Reform UK leader is set to visit Washington in September to testify to Congress over threats to freedom of expression in Britain.

Ms Connolly was released from prison last week after she was given a 31-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to inciting racial hatred, after calling for people to “set fire” to hotels housing asylum seekers in a post on social media.

Her story will be “a very central point of what I’m discussing”, Mr Farage said according to The Telegraph.

It comes after the Trump administration said it is “greatly concerned” about free speech in Britain.

Recap: The High Court case between the Home Office and Epping Council

11:00 , Alex Croft

Setting the backdrop for the weekend of unrest is a crucial High Court case being fought between the government and an English council.

On Tuesday, Epping Forest District Council won an interim High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel, arguing it had become a “feeding ground for unrest” in recent weeks after a series of violent protests resulted in multiple arrests and saw police officers injured.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper made a last-minute attempt on Tuesday to halt their removal, arguing that other councils would make similar applications for migrant accommodation in their areas.

However, Mr Justice Eyre dismissed her application and has given the council until 12 September to move asylum seekers out of the hotel. Somani Hotels Limited, which runs the hotel, can apply to the Court of Appeal to try to reverse the decision.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the ruling as “a moment of relief for the people of Epping”, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was “a victory for the mums and dads” in the local area, “who just want their children to be safe”.

ICYMI - Three arrests made at Horley protest

10:31 , Alex Croft

Three arrests were made at the protest outside the Four Points hotel in Horley on Saturday, Surrey Police said.

Two of the arrests were made for reach of the peace and one for breaching the conditions of a community protection notice.

Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker said: “Our officers were outside the hotel this morning to support the public’s right to lawful protest. Unfortunately, while the majority of those present were protesting lawfully, there were some individuals whose behaviour became disruptive, and they were arrested.

“Officers were also present to minimise disruption to the local community. We appreciate that there was some disruption on the roads around the hotel while the protest was taking place and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience.”

Comment | I’m an ex-Met chief – but I’m glad I’m not policing this ‘bank holiday weekend of discontent’

10:02 , Alex Croft

Ah, the August bank holiday weekend. A promising weather forecast. Off work until next Tuesday. The perfect opportunity to sit back, put your feet up, enjoy a barbecue and take a well-earned rest. Unless you’re a police officer – and especially this particular weekend.

First up are the anticipated protests – and counterprotests – outside hotels housing asylum seekers from Bournemouth to Perth, Cardiff to Leeds. Some two dozen or so anti-immigration protests have been organised for the coming days. And, once again, it is police officers who will find themselves standing in the places in between, accused by one faction of protecting lawless foreigners and by the other of defending hate-filled racists. Refusing to take either side, and damned by both.

Former Met Police chief superintendent John Sutherland writes:

I’m glad I’m not policing this ‘bank holiday weekend of discontent’

Watch: Anti-immigration protesters hurl abuse as rival groups clash outside Horley hotel

09:30 , Alex Croft

Full report: Protesters clash outside asylum hotels as tensions over migration flare

08:59 , Alex Croft

Police and protesters clashed on Saturday as demonstrations against asylum hotels unfolded across the country.

Protesters and counterprotesters gathered for demonstrations in towns and cities around England, including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, and Horley in Surrey, and at Canary Wharf in central London.

There were also protests at Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland, and Mold in Flintshire, Wales.

Political correspondent Archie Mitchell brings the full report of yesterday’s protests:

Protesters clash outside asylum hotels as tensions over migration flare

Racism activists declared 'victory' over anti-migrant protests in Perth

08:30 , Alex Croft

Anti-racism activists in Perth, Scotland, yesterday declared “victory” over a group of anti-migrant protesters at a hotel housing asylum seekers.

“Far right, demoralised and now leaving in Perth in face of the anti-racist counter protesters protecting the hotel,” Stand Up To Racism’s Scottish branch said on X.

They accused anti-migrant protesters of having “targeted, harassed and screamed at a mum carrying a baby”.

Where and when are anti-migrant protests scheduled for Sunday?

08:08 , Alex Croft

Anti-migrant protests are set to continue on Sunday, including in London, where hundreds of thousands of Notting Hill Carnival revellers will take to the streets to celebrate its 58th edition.

Protesting under the Abolish Asylum System banner, protests are set to take place in Solihull, Dudley, Epping, Stevenage, London, Manchester, and Norwich.

Here is the full list of protests expected today:

  • Castle Bromwich (Solihull) - Holiday Inn - 12pm
  • Dudley - Market Place - 12pm
  • London - Britannia Canary Wharf - 1pm
  • Norwich - The Norkie - 1pm
  • Stevenage - Ibis Stevenage Centre - 4pm
  • Manchester - South Hotal - 4pm
  • Epping - Bell Hotel - 6pm
Dozens of protesters and counter-protesters are at Castle Park, Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Police braced for weekend of unrest as fresh wave of hotel protests clashes with Notting Hill Carnival

08:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police are braced for a weekend of potential unrest as they face a fresh wave of protests amid mounting tensions over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers.

Anti-migrant groups faced off with counterprotesters in Leeds, Orpington, Chichester and Portsmouth on Friday as a weekend of nationwide protests kicked off.

The demonstrations, said to be planned at 26 hotels across the country, come as a million revellers are expected to take to the streets of west London to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival.

Read more here by our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin:

Police braced for weekend of unrest as fresh hotel protests clash with Carnival

Migrant community deserves dignity and protection, say anti-racism protesters

07:50 , Alex Croft

Emma Taylor-Beale, who is protesting for Stand Up to Racism in Horley has demanded dignity and protection for migrants in the UK.

“I’ve got a heart for anyone who’s got a need and our migrant community deserve protection, they deserve dignity, they’ve been through enough,” she said.

She said she was not surprised at the number of anti-immigration protesters that had turned out to the demonstration, given what she had seen on social media.

Ms Taylor-Beale said: “This time last year when we had the riots in the summer, all of us showing support were the massive majority in Brighton and in Crawley, and the far-right were there, but they weren’t like the members of the public.

“This isn’t just the far-right, you can’t label everyone on that side who’s come out as far-right, I think people are buying into lies, they’re angry, they’re hurt and people have got a reason to be angry right now.”

She argued that economic inequality and the housing crisis was at the root of the divide.

People take part in a Stand Up To Racism rally outside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Horley (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Watch: Rival protesters face off in Portsmouth as migrant hotel demonstrations staged in cities across England

07:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Clashes seen at asylum protests across the UK on Saturday

07:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

On Saturday protests against the use of asylum hotels and counter-demonstrations took place - with police trying to keep the two groups apart.

Demonstrations under the Abolish Asylum System slogan were being held in major towns and cities around England, including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, Horley in Surrey and Canary Wharf in central London.

Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland and Mold in Flintshire, Wales, were also holding protests.

A separate batch of protests were organised by Stand Up to Racism in Bristol, Cannock, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wakefield, Horley and Long Eaton in Derbyshire.

Arrests were made in several locations with 11 protesters in Liverpool being arrested. Three people were arrested in Horley and a 37-year-old woman was arrested in Bristol on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

Recap: The High Court case between the Home Office and Epping Council

06:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Setting the backdrop for the weekend of unrest is a crucial High Court case being fought between the government and an English council.

On Tuesday, Epping Forest District Council won an interim High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel, arguing it had become a “feeding ground for unrest” in recent weeks after a series of violent protests resulted in multiple arrests and saw police officers injured.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper made a last-minute attempt on Tuesday to halt their removal, arguing that other councils would make similar applications for migrant accommodation in their areas.

However, Mr Justice Eyre dismissed her application and has given the council until 12 September to move asylum seekers out of the hotel. Somani Hotels Limited, which runs the hotel, can apply to the Court of Appeal to try to reverse the decision.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the ruling as “a moment of relief for the people of Epping”, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was “a victory for the mums and dads” in the local area, “who just want their children to be safe”.

Clashes as asylum protests take place across the UK

06:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Clashes as asylum protests take place across the UK

In Pictures: Abolish Asylum System protest and a counter protests in Perth

05:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

An Abolish Asylum System protest took place outside the Radisson Hotel in Scotland (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)
Perth Against Racism held a counter protest against an Abolish Asylum System protest outside the Radisson Hotel (Getty Images)
Counter protesters can be seen holding ‘refugees welcome’ signs (Getty Images)

Watch: Dan Jarvis says government to appeal against Epping asylum hotel ruling

04:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Three arrests made at Horley protest

03:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Three arrests were made at the protest outside the Four Points hotel in Horley, Surrey Police said.

Two of the arrests were made for reach of the peace and one for breaching the conditions of a community protection notice.

Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker said: “Our officers were outside the hotel this morning to support the public’s right to lawful protest. Unfortunately, while the majority of those present were protesting lawfully, there were some individuals whose behaviour became disruptive, and they were arrested.

“Officers were also present to minimise disruption to the local community. We appreciate that there was some disruption on the roads around the hotel while the protest was taking place and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience.”

Watch: Anti-immigration protesters hurl abuse as rival groups clash outside Horley hotel

02:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police made 11 arrests in Liverpool protests

01:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police made 11 arrests in Liverpool following a protest by UKIP and a counter-protest on Saturday.

People from different groups gathered outside St George’s Hall from around 11am this morning and there was a large police presence to ensure the safety of all those taking part and the wider public.

A march by UKIP began at around 1.20pm, but shortly afterwards the procession was directed back to St George’s Hall.

Police said they respect the rights of everyone to take part in a lawful and peaceful protests, but never tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour.

Arrests were made for offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault and affray.

Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “We will never tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour and despite the vast majority of people protesting lawfully, and peacefully, sadly there were a number of people who were arrested for various offences, including public order offences and assault.”

He added: "The police are often faced with the challenge of treading the fine line between upholding everyone’s rights to protest equitably, whilst endeavouring to keep the peace and ensure the public are safe. We plan ahead, in a co-ordinated way, to ensure we do this consistently, fairly and proportionately.

“We would like to thank members of the public and businesses in the city centre for their patience during the course of this event.”

Watch: Rival protest groups face off during migrant hotel demonstrations across the UK

Sunday 24 August 2025 00:01 , Rebecca Whittaker

Closing asylum hotels must be orderly, Cooper says amid Government legal bid

Saturday 23 August 2025 23:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Closing asylum hotels must be orderly, Cooper says amid Government legal bid

Government plans to set up a new independent panel focused on asylum appeals to help reduce the backlog

Saturday 23 August 2025 23:27 , Rebecca Whittaker

There are about 51,000 asylum appeals waiting to be heard, taking on average more than a year to reach a decision.

As measures have been put in place to speed up initial decisions, court delays over appeals are now thought to be the biggest cause of pressure in the asylum accommodation system.

The Government plans to set up a new independent panel focused on asylum appeals to help reduce the backlog, as first reported by The Sunday Times.

The new independent body will use professionally-trained adjudicators, rather than relying on judges.

Ministers are introducing a new 24-week deadline for the first-tier tribunal to determine asylum appeals by those receiving accommodation support and appeals by foreign offenders.

But they believe the current tribunal system, which covers a wide range of different cases, is still failing to ensure failed asylum seekers can be returned as swiftly as possible, nor can it accommodate a fast-track system for safe countries.

The Government will set out further details of plans for asylum system reforms in the autumn, drawing on lessons from other European countries which have faster appeals systems – including some which run independent appeals bodies similar to the one being proposed.

Government promises asylum appeals overhaul as hotel protests continue

Saturday 23 August 2025 23:25 , Rebecca Whittaker

A new fast-track asylum appeals process will be introduced to speed up the process of removing people with no right to be in the UK, Yvette Cooper has promised, amid protests about the use of hotel accommodation for migrants.

There are about 51,000 asylum appeals waiting to be heard, taking on average more than a year to reach a decision.

The Home Secretary said the overhaul would result in a system which is “swift, fair and independent, with high standards in place”.

She said: “We inherited an asylum system in complete chaos with a soaring backlog of asylum cases and a broken appeals system with thousands of people in the system for years on end.

“That is why we are taking practical steps to fix the foundations and restore control and order to the system.

“We are determined to substantially reduce the number of people in the asylum system as part of our plan to end asylum hotels.

“Already since the election we have reduced the backlog of people waiting for initial decisions by 24 per cent and increased failed asylum returns by 30 per cent.

“But we cannot carry on with these completely unacceptable delays in appeals as a result of the system we have inherited which mean that failed asylum seekers stay in the system for years on end at huge cost to the taxpayer.”

'Our migrant community deserve protection', says Stand Up to Racism protester

Saturday 23 August 2025 23:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Emma Taylor-Beale, who is protesting for Stand Up to Racism in Horley said: “I’ve got a heart for anyone who’s got a need and our migrant community deserve protection, they deserve dignity, they’ve been through enough.”

She said she was not surprised at the number of anti-immigration protesters that had turned out to the demonstration, given what she had seen on social media.

Ms Taylor-Beale said: “This time last year when we had the riots in the summer, all of us showing support were the massive majority in Brighton and in Crawley, and the far-right were there, but they weren’t like the members of the public.

“This isn’t just the far-right, you can’t label everyone on that side who’s come out as far-right, I think people are buying into lies, they’re angry, they’re hurt and people have got a reason to be angry right now.”

She argued that economic inequality and the housing crisis was at the root of the divide.

Protesters clash outside asylum hotels as tensions over migration flare

Saturday 23 August 2025 22:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Protesters clash outside asylum hotels as tensions over migration flare

Watch: Rival protesters face off in Portsmouth as migrant hotel demonstrations staged in cities across England

Saturday 23 August 2025 22:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Pro-asylum and anti-immigration protesters meet at Hampton Hotel in Aberdeen

Saturday 23 August 2025 21:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Both anti-immigration and counter-protesters gathered in front of a Hampton Hotel in a suburban area, on the edge of Aberdeen.

With about 70 protesters on each side separated by fencing, counter protesters’ chants of “send them home” are met with jeers and claps from the pro-asylum protesters.

The Times reported one man was draped in a Saltire flag and shouted “we’re not racist: you’re f***ing deluded”, while his opposition wave homemade signs that said “blame millionaires nae refugees” and “warfare is NOT family entertainment”.

Starmer has to find a workable plan to ‘stop the boats’ or Farage will become prime minister

Saturday 23 August 2025 21:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Starmer has to find a workable way to ‘stop the boats’ or Farage will become PM

Pictured: Demonstrators at Castle Park in Bristol

Saturday 23 August 2025 20:40 , Rebecca Whittaker

Mounted police officers are deployed during a protest by Abolish Asylum System and counter demonstrators at Castle Park in Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
Police officers are deployed during a protest by Abolish Asylum System and counter demonstrators at Castle Park in Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
Abolish Asylum System protesters and counter protesters at Castle Park in Bristol (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Protest in North Wales over asylum seeker housing

Saturday 23 August 2025 20:20 , Rebecca Whittaker

About 300 people protested a possible plan to provide accommodation for asylum seekers in Mold, North Wales today.

Demonstrators stood outside the Poundland shop unhappy about rumours that some flats in the town could be used to house asylum seekers, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile about 40 people took part in a counter protest nearby with banners which read "no to racism" and "asylum seekers welcome".

One of the organisers Netty Lloyd, 49, told the BBC: "I've lived in Mold for 49 years. We need our community to stay together, look after each other, and support our own first.”

While one of the counter-protesters, Benjamin Lawrence Jones, said he wanted to come and show his support for "people from different backgrounds".

Recap: The High Court case between the Home Office and Epping Council

Saturday 23 August 2025 20:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Setting the backdrop for the weekend of unrest is a crucial High Court case being fought between the government and an English council.

On Tuesday, Epping Forest District Council won an interim High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel, arguing it had become a “feeding ground for unrest” in recent weeks after a series of violent protests resulted in multiple arrests and saw police officers injured.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper made a last-minute attempt on Tuesday to halt their removal, arguing that other councils would make similar applications for migrant accommodation in their areas.

However, Mr Justice Eyre dismissed her application and has given the council until 12 September to move asylum seekers out of the hotel. Somani Hotels Limited, which runs the hotel, can apply to the Court of Appeal to try to reverse the decision.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the ruling as “a moment of relief for the people of Epping”, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was “a victory for the mums and dads” in the local area, “who just want their children to be safe”.

In Pictures: Anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters in Horley

Saturday 23 August 2025 19:40 , Rebecca Whittaker

People take part in a Stand Up To Racism rally outside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Horley (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Counter protesters to a Stand Up To Racism rally demonstrate outside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Horley, Surrey (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
The protest in Horely is one of several protests and counter protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Only a handful turn up for anti-migrant protest at Canary Wharf hotel

Saturday 23 August 2025 19:20 , Rebecca Whittaker

An anti-migrant protest at the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf had a low turn-out today with just a handful of people standing outside.

The Times reported that a man on a megaphone outside claimed there had been up to 40 people there at 3pm, but by 4.20pm there were just six of them.

It added that a policeman claimed the number did not reach above ten.

Police officers speak to protesters taking part in an Abolish Asylum System protest outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London. (Jeff Moore/PA Wire)
A pedestrian crossing that has been turned into St George's flags near the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London. (Jeff Moore/PA Wire)

Anti-migrant protesters hurl abuse as rival groups clash at Horley asylum hotel demonstration

Saturday 23 August 2025 19:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Anti-immigration protesters hurled a torrent of abuse as they clashed with anti-racism protesters at a demonstration in Horley, West Sussex.

Demonstrations against hotels housing asylum seekers took place across the UK. Protests under the Abolish Asylum System slogan were being held in major towns and cities, including Bristol, Nuneaton, and Liverpool. Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland and Mold in Flintshire, Wales, were also holding protests.

Shouts of "paedo" and "you're all "f***ing delusional middle class c****" were heard at the Horley demonstration.

Lines of police separated anti-racism protesters and the anti-migration group.

Anti-migrant protesters hurl abuse as rival groups clash over Horley asylum hotel

In Pictures: Counter protests in Perth outside the Radisson Hotel

Saturday 23 August 2025 18:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Perth Against Racism hold a counter protest against an Abolish Asylum System protest outside the Radisson Hotel in Scotland (Getty Images)
Counter protesters can be seen holding ‘refugees welcome’ signs (Getty Images)
The counter protest follows a surge in protests against the use of such hotels since demonstrations at The Bell Hotel in Epping earlier this summer (Getty Images)

Three arrests made at Horley protest

Saturday 23 August 2025 18:15 , Rebecca Whittaker

Three arrests have been made at the protest outside the Four Points hotel in Horley, Surrey Police said.

Two of the arrests were made for reach of the peace and one for breaching the conditions of a community protection notice.

Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker said: “Our officers were outside the hotel this morning to support the public’s right to lawful protest. Unfortunately, while the majority of those present were protesting lawfully, there were some individuals whose behaviour became disruptive, and they were arrested.

“Officers were also present to minimise disruption to the local community. We appreciate that there was some disruption on the roads around the hotel while the protest was taking place and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience.”

Liverpool UKIP march abandoned, claims Stand Up to Racism

Saturday 23 August 2025 18:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Anti-immigration groups clashed with counter-protestors in Liverpool today.

Following the demonstration Stand up to Racism shared a video of the protest in Liverpool to X.

In the post it said: “Well done to antiracists in Liverpool who have seen off the far right after humiliating UKIPs attempts to march through the city.”

Merseyside Police reported 11 arrests were made today following a protest by UKIP and a counter-protest.

Arrest made at a protest in Bristol

Saturday 23 August 2025 17:40 , Rebecca Whittaker

A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker in Bristol.

The police operation has been stood down following the conclusion of a protest and counter-protest in Bristol city centre this afternoon.

Avon and Somerset Police said no officers sustained serious physical injury or required hospital treatment, but enquiries will be carried out after reports of assaults on officers.

Police did detain a small number of other individuals at various points of the operation but they have been de-arrested.

Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: “Our priority today has been to enable lawful peaceful protest for both groups.

“Our officers have dealt admirably with a really challenging situation and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank them for their professionalism. While there were moments of disturbance, we’re pleased to say the two protests have passed without significant incident.

“We worked with Bristol City Council to try to minimise disruption to other members of the public and that did mean a road closure was required, but this has now been lifted.

“We’re grateful for people’s patience while we policed these protests.”

Police made 11 arrests in Liverpool protests

Saturday 23 August 2025 17:15 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police made 11 arrests in Liverpool following a protest by UKIP and a counter-protest today.

People from different groups gathered outside St George’s Hall from around 11am this morning and there was a large police presence to ensure the safety of all those taking part and the wider public.

A march by UKIP began at around 1.20pm, but shortly afterwards the procession was directed back to St George’s Hall.

Police said they respect the rights of everyone to take part in a lawful and peaceful protests, but never tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour.

Arrests were made for offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault and affray.

Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “We will never tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour and despite the vast majority of people protesting lawfully, and peacefully, sadly there were a number of people who were arrested for various offences, including public order offences and assault.”

He added: "The police are often faced with the challenge of treading the fine line between upholding everyone’s rights to protest equitably, whilst endeavouring to keep the peace and ensure the public are safe. We plan ahead, in a co-ordinated way, to ensure we do this consistently, fairly and proportionately.

“We would like to thank members of the public and businesses in the city centre for their patience during the course of this event.”

Watch: Anti-immigration protesters hurl abuse as rival groups clash outside Horley hotel

Saturday 23 August 2025 17:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

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