Protests Erupt Outside Canary Wharf Hotel Over Plans to House Asylum Seekers

Heightened tensions have gripped East London following a second consecutive night of protests outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf. The demonstrations—triggered by the government’s decision to house asylum seekers at the four-star venue—have drawn crowds from both anti-migrant groups and counter-demonstrators, as well as a significant Metropolitan Police presence to ensure public safety and prevent disorder.

This unfolding situation has spotlighted the complex debate surrounding immigration policy, hotel repurposing, and public response to asylum housing across the UK.

Police Respond to Mounting Tensions

On both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the Metropolitan Police were deployed to manage rival groups clashing outside the Britannia Hotel on Marsh Wall. Video footage shared online showed upwards of 30 officers stationed near the entrance, maintaining a visible presence to prevent physical confrontation between protestors and those opposing the demonstrations.

According to a Met Police spokesperson, "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." Social media footage captured eggs being thrown and a police helicopter patrolling overhead, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Community Reaction: Protest and Counter-Protest

The protest outside the hotel was matched by an equally vocal counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism, which called for an emergency mobilisation via X (formerly Twitter), urging Londoners to stand against far-right sentiment.

Their statement read: “Please come ASAP to counter and say far right are NOT welcome in London!”

Local MP Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) echoed the sentiment, affirming, “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.”

Hotel Guests Left in the Lurch

As controversy surrounds the hotel’s future use, many existing guests and upcoming bookings have been affected. Furious customers took to review platforms like TripAdvisor to express their anger and disappointment over last-minute cancellations without adequate notice or compensation.

One review stated:

“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?”

Another described the experience as a “blatant breach of cancellation policy,” adding that no alternative accommodations or assistance were provided, leaving them scrambling for options at a greater cost.

There are also unconfirmed reports that some hotel staff were suddenly dismissed amid the operational changes—raising further concerns about transparency and planning.

Migrants Moved from Essex to London

Reports indicate that some asylum seekers have been relocated from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, to the Britannia International. The Bell Hotel had become a flashpoint for recent unrest, including an alleged sexual assault charge that inflamed tensions in the community.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, is accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charges when appearing in court, but the incident has contributed to heightened anti-migrant sentiment in the area.

Essex Police, in response to growing concerns, issued a Section 35 dispersal order in Epping from Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning to curb anti-social behaviour. Officers now have authority to remove anyone suspected of disorderly conduct or intent to incite unrest.

Criminal Charges and Ongoing Investigations

Several individuals have now been charged in connection with protests in Epping, which escalated into violent disorder and criminal damage. Essex Police confirmed that:

• Jonathan Glover (47) of Waltham Abbey

• Stuart Williams (36) of Thornwood, Epping

• Keith Silk (33) of Loughton

• Dean Smith (51) of Epping

...have all 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 out on conditional bail.

A fifth individual, Joe McKenna (34) of Wickford, faces a charge for failing to remove a face covering when instructed by officers. He remains on bail ahead of a hearing scheduled for September 24.

Official Responses and Future Planning

Tower Hamlets Council issued a statement confirming their awareness of the Home Office’s use of the Britannia Hotel for temporary accommodation. The council emphasised the importance of safeguarding measures and pledged to work closely with the government to ensure all necessary support is provided.

“It is important that the Government ensures a full package of support for those staying at the hotel,” said a council spokesperson. “We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.”

Policing and Public Costs

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow of Essex Police has highlighted the growing strain on policing resources, revealing that recent protest activity in Epping has already cost the force over £100,000 in a single week.

“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,” he said. The police are also considering additional legal powers to manage potential unrest at future protest events.

A Divided Public and a Complex Challenge

The evolving situation outside the Britannia International Hotel encapsulates the broader national debate on asylum seeker accommodation, public protest, and community cohesion. While some local residents express concern about security, others rally to welcome vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.

As tensions rise across the country—from Epping to Canary Wharf—the government, law enforcement, and local authorities must now work together to balance humanitarian responsibilities with public safety and community engagement.