Migrant Hotel Protests Spark Arrests in London and Newcastle

Rival Demonstrations Erupt Over Asylum Seeker Accommodation

Tensions ran high as opposing groups clashed over the use of hotels for asylum seekers, leading to multiple arrests in London and similar demonstrations in Newcastle. Police were forced to impose strict conditions to manage the volatile situations.

London Confrontations Erupt

In Islington, north London, a protest targeting the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, used to house asylum seekers, saw significant police intervention. Demonstrators, including a group identified as “Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no,” gathered, facing off against counter-protesters organized by groups like Stand Up To Racism, which garnered support from figures such as former Labour leader **Jeremy Corbyn**.

A group of counter protesters formed up outside the conditioned area and marched to Central Street.

Officers prevented opposing groups coming together but those in the junction remain in breach of the conditions.

Warnings are being given. Those who don’t move will be arrested. pic.twitter.com/TaZwy6CnG4

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 2, 2025

Asylum seekers reportedly observed the protests from the hotel’s windows. A confrontation led to the detention of a man wearing an England football shirt. Anti-fascist protesters occupied a junction, prompting police to move in, detaining several individuals who were later informed they were in breach of protest conditions.

By mid-afternoon, nine arrests had been made, with seven concerning breaches of Public Order Act conditions. Police stated that external groups endorsing the anti-asylum hotel protest were likely to increase attendance. The Metropolitan Police confirmed plans are in place to manage potential protests at other hotels housing asylum seekers across London.

Counter-Protesters Express Solidarity

One counter-protester, 21-year-old student **Pat Prendergast**, emphasized his desire for migrants to feel safe. I want people to feel safe. I think the (rival protesters) over there are making people feel unsafe. I want to stand up in solidarity and say that, you know, we want people here. We want migrants. We want asylum seekers. he stated.

A smaller contingent of demonstrators waved Union flags and displayed banners, with one individual heard chanting, Get these scum off our streets. A group clad in black, identifying as anti-fascist, emerged from a side street, leading to brief altercations before police separated the groups.

The Metropolitan Police established specific protest zones to maintain separation. The anti-asylum hotel demonstration was confined to King Charles Square from 1 pm to 4 pm, while counter-protesters were directed to Lever Street, near the junction with Central Street, between 12 pm and 4 pm. Chief Superintendent **Clair Haynes** acknowledged the strongly held views on all sides, stating officers would police impartially, prioritizing safety while intervening against unlawful actions.

Newcastle Protests Mirror London Tensions

A similar protest and counter-protest occurred in Newcastle outside The New Bridge Hotel. Organizers of an “for our children, for our future” event were met by a “stop the far right and fascists in Newcastle” counter-demonstration, coordinated by Stand Up To Racism. Organizers of the counter-protest condemned the intent to spread a message of hate, citing Islamophobia and anti-migrant sentiment, and referencing recent intimidation and violence against refugees and migrants in other locations.

In Spelthorne, Surrey, a protest at the Stanwell Hotel on Friday evening saw a packet of lit firelighters thrown at police, resulting in an arrest for attempted arson. Another arrest for conspiracy to commit violent disorder and aggravated trespass followed a protest at the same location the previous evening. Data from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford indicates that the UK’s asylum system has faced significant strain, with a notable increase in applications in recent years, a factor contributing to public debate around accommodation solutions (Migration Observatory 2023).