In a wave of rising tensions across the United Kingdom, violent protests have been organized by neo-Nazi groups opposing the accommodation of asylum seekers in hotels, particularly in Epping and London’s Canary Wharf district.
Members of Homeland, one of the largest fascist groups in the UK, are reportedly behind the anti-migrant protests outside the Bell Hotel in Essex, which have lasted over 11 days. The group splintered from the previously dominant Patriotic Alternative in 2023 and has since taken a more active role in fueling unrest under the guise of community organizing.
A now-deleted post by Homeland administrators called for a “national day of action,” urging followers to protest outside hotels housing migrants. These posts falsely claimed that asylum seekers were being secretly relocated from the Bell Hotel to other areas like Canary Wharf.
Authorities have confirmed that, despite rumors, no migrants are currently staying at the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, although the Home Office has reserved over 400 beds for future use. The hotel remains closed to regular guests.
The protests escalated following the arrest of an Ethiopian man accused of sexual assault, just eight days after arriving in the UK. Although ten arrests have been made during the protests, law enforcement remains on high alert, fearing a repeat of last summer’s racially charged unrest.
Police and government officials have also had to counter disinformation spread by right-wing figures such as Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson. Farage falsely claimed that police were transporting counter-protesters to demonstrations. The Essex Police Chief, Ben-Julian Harrington, publicly refuted such claims and warned politicians to act responsibly.
Meanwhile, the Home Office has emphasized its legal obligation to provide temporary shelter for asylum seekers and noted that the cost of housing them at Britannia Hotel — £81 per night per person — is below the national average.
Community leaders and anti-racism activists have pushed back. “Stand Up to Racism” has held counter-protests, urging the public to reject far-right extremism. The Tower Hamlets Council has requested full support packages from the Home Office for any future migrants housed at the Britannia.
Government ministers have expressed concern about potential unrest. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reportedly warned cabinet ministers that the UK is “fraying at the edges” and urged immediate action to rebuild social cohesion and address mounting migration pressures.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner echoed this concern, stating that immigration is having a “profound impact” on society and that government responses must acknowledge “real concerns” about rapid change and stagnant living standards.
As tensions remain high, officials across the political spectrum have called for truth, calm, and coordinated responses to a crisis increasingly fueled by misinformation and far-right mobilization.