Police ‘remain in the area’ after protest outside east London hotel

The Metropolitan Police has said officers will remain in the area outside a London hotel after it was the scene of a protest over plans to house asylum seekers in the building.

The protest took place on Tuesday (22 July) outside the Britannia International hotel in London’s Canary Wharf.

The Standard reported hotel guests with reservations were seen arriving at the site, while others attempted to secure refunds.

Footage circulating on X suggested a small group of counter-protestors were also in attendance.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers were in attendance at a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf on Tuesday, 22 July. No arrests were made. Officers remain in the area to deal with any incidents.”

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council added: “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.”

It comes after a series of demonstrations were held outside the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex, on Thursday and Sunday.

A total of five men have now been charged in relation to incidents of violent disorder.

The protests came after Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old asylum seeker living in the hotel, was charged with sexual assault following an incident in which he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

Kebatu denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, according to Sky News.

Britannia Hotels has been contacted for comment.

Earlier this month, a Labour peer revealed the costs involved in operating asylum hotels have reduced by a third to £6m per day as part of government efforts to cut their use.