Police are braced for a second night of protesters and counter-demonstrators gathered outside an east London hotel after it emerged that asylum seekers are set to be housed there.
Officers are guarding the four-star Britannia International Hotel on Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf as the two rivals shout at each other from across the street.
Stand Up To Racism annouced a “defend refugees emergency mobilisation” event on X, formerly Twitter, starting at 6pm on Wednesday.
It said: “Please come ASAP to counter and say far right are NOT welcome in London!”
Seperately, Essex Police issued a dispersal order in Epping following a series of demonstrations outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers 2pm on Thursday until 8am on Friday
The force has the power to direct anyone suspected of committing anti-social behaviour, or planning to do so, to leave the area or face arrest.
On Tuesday, video footage appeared to show 20 to 30 officers outside the Britannia hotel’s entrance while protesters gathered.
Other clips on social media had activists chanting as the Metropolitan Police protected a small group of counter-demonstrators.
Hotel guests with reservations were seen arriving, while others reportedly attempted to secure refunds.
There are also allegations that staff who had previously worked at the hotel were dismissed on the same day.
The Met said: “Officers were in attendance at a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf.
“No arrests were made. Officers remain in the area to deal with any incidents.”
Footage on social media from Tuesday evening showed eggs had being thrown. A police helicopter was seen in the skies above.
Britannia Hotels have been contacted by the Standard for comment.
Following news that the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf is now housing illegal immigrants, a group of protesters has gathered outside. There's a significant police presence here, but that's hardly surprising given what happened in Epping last Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/X5ZFzlKlC1
— Matt Capon (@MattLCapon) July 22, 2025
Tower Hamlets Council said: “We are aware of the Government’s decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
“It is important that the Government ensures 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.”
People were pictured moving beds into the hotel on Wednesday.
Poplar and Limehouse MP Aspana Begum said: “In Poplar and Limehouse, we are clear: refugees are welcome here. In the face of relentless demonisation and targeting, we continue to stand with migrants for their rights to safety and dignity.
“It’s the far-right and their hateful ideology that are not welcome here.”
It is claimed some migrants had been bussed to the capital from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which has seen violent disorder over the past week, but is is understood it is not yet being used as an asylum hotel.
Trouble started after asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexual assaulting a 14-year-old girl by attempting to kiss her. He denied the charge when he appeared in court last week.
Journalist Matt Capon wrote on X: “A group of protesters has gathered outside.
“There’s a significant police presence here, but that’s hardly surprising given what happened in Epping last Thursday night.”
Reform UK chief whip Lee Anderson added in a video caption from the scene: “Canary Wharf.
“The International Hotel is now in lockdown as they prepare for an influx of illegal migrants. 500 rooms here. What are we playing at?”
Furious customers have left reviews on TripAdvisor, saying they were blindsided by the hotel’s sudden decision and had already paid for excursions in the capital.
One person wrote: “On June 9, I booked and fully paid for two rooms in this hotel for two nights in August. Today (six weeks later) I received an email cancelling my booking because ‘the hotel has taken a large group booking’.
“How can anyone trust a hotel that does this to its customers? I have booked meals out and a theatre trip as part of our stay London and am now having to scramble around trying to find something suitable at short notice, which will undoubtedly now be more expensive as a result. What a pitiful company.”
Another person said: “Absolutely appalling experience with Britannia International Hotel. My confirmed reservation was cancelled less than 24 hours before my stay via a brief phone call, citing a “private hire” event.
“I received no official email confirmation of the cancellation, and absolutely no support or alternative accommodation offered — despite this being entirely at the hotel’s discretion.
“This is a blatant breach of their own cancellation policy and shows complete disregard for guests, especially those travelling from outside London. Their handling was not only unprofessional and disorganised, but also deeply inconsiderate.”
Essex Police said protests at the Bell earlier this month began peacefully but “escalated to the point of disorder and criminal damage”.
Jonathan Glover, 47, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey, Stuart Williams, 36, of Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping, Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, and Dean Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping, have been charged with violent disorder and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 18.
Williams and Smith have been remanded in custody, while Glover and Silk are on conditional bail, the force said.
A fifth man, Joe McKenna, 34, of Highcliffe Road, Wickford, is charged with failing to remove a face covering when told to do so and remains on bail until a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on September 24.
On Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We have identified a small group of people who are intent on committing anti-social behaviour, which is not acceptable.
“Where there has been previous protest activity, we have seen sustained anti-social behaviour in addition to any disorder that we have dealt with during the protest itself.
“This order will not prevent lawful and peaceful protest, but ensure people are safe both during and after the planned activity.
“We are also considering the use of other powers available to us to ensure people can carry out their democratic right to protest safely.
“Our message is clear - if you’re planning to come to Essex to commit crime or disorder, don’t bother. You will be dealt with.”
The officer said on Monday that the cost of policing the incidents in Epping over the last week had reached £100,000.
