Members of one of Britain’s largest fascist groups have been helping to organise anti-migrant protests in Epping, amid growing fears that disorder could erupt across the country.
The three sole administrators of the Facebook group, Epping Says No, which has been used to co-ordinate local protests, are members of the far-right political party Homeland.
Founded in April 2023 as a splinter from the neo-Nazi group Patriotic Alternative, Homeland has been described by anti-fascism group Hope not Hate as the largest fascist group in the UK.
The Facebook group, which has over 1,600 members, recently changed its name from Shut Down The Bell Hotel — a reference to the site that has housed asylum seekers for several years. Over the past 11 days, it has served as a platform for locals to advertise and discuss the protests taking place.
It comes ahead of a planned protest today, with a march from The Bell Hotel to the town’s council officers, where local leaders are due to discuss resident’s concerns.
Essex Police has put a dispersal order in place from 2pm today until 8am tomorrow, covering an area including the town centre and transport networks such as the tube station.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow has made it clear that officers will facilitate a peaceful protest, but warned any troublemakers will be robustly dealt with.
One of the Homeland members posted a “national call to action” on their social media pages on Wednesday, calling for further protests to take place across the country.
The notice reads: “Epping is everywhere. Communities nationwide are at risk and have been affected by the migrant crisis [...] Gather family, friends, locals and protest; make your voices heard.”
Sir Keir Starmer has demanded urgent action from cabinet ministers to avoid a repeat of last summer’s rioting sparked by the tragic deaths of three young girls.
The prime minister told the cabinet it was vital to repair Britain’s “social fabric” and improve integration in areas that have experienced high levels of migration.
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said the government needed to address “real concerns” about rapid change and living standards in order to diffuse community tensions.
Meanwhile, Met Police attended a second night of anti-migrant protest and counter-demonstration outside an east London hotel after it emerged that asylum seekers are set to be housed there.
Officers guarded the four-star Britannia International Hotel on Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf as the two rivals shouted 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!”
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 Bell Hotel in Epping has been the centre of protests over the past fortnight after an Ethiopian man was arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl within eight days of arriving in the UK on a small boat.
Ten people have been arrested so far, while five people have been charged.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow of Essex Police 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.”
