Anti-racism activists clash with asylum hotel protests as tensions rage on

A minister has warned protesters there is “never” a place for criminal violence as tensions mount over the use of asylum hotels.

Treasury minister James Murray reiterated Labour ’s pledge to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament - but he admitted there is not a “single switch you can flick” to stop small boats crossing the Channel.

He said he “absolutely” gets why people are frustrated with the use of asylum hotels but warned against violent tactics.

It comes as both anti-immigration protestors and counter anti-racism activists gathered outsideThe Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, today. Police imposed restrictions to curb any criminal violence or disorder ahead of the demonstrations.

An Epping local was seen chanting in support of Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as the march went past. He began shouting "there's only one Tommy Robinson" when a protester approached him.

One Stand Up To Racism protester chanted "fascist scum" at him before police stepped in to ensure they would not come together.

READ MORE: New asylum hotel rules to speed up closures as critics blast 'scapegoating'

Lewis Nielson, of Stand Up To Racism, told The Standard: “Any issues of sexual assault and harassment should be taken incredibly seriously. But the reality is these serious issues are being seized on in a hypocritical and cynical way by the far-Right.

“We know that if they have a victory in Epping, they will target every migrant hotel in the UK. This is a flashpoint.”

Asked about the disorder, Mr Murray told Sky News this morning: “Whilst obviously there can never be any place for criminal violence, there's absolutely a right for people to protest about this, and I absolutely get why they're so frustrated by asylum hotels, because we're frustrated too, and we want to bring it down.”

The Government has pledged to close all asylum hotels - which at their peak were costing taxpayers £9million a day - by the end of the current Parliament.

Last week, ministers announced that asylum seekers who refuse to move out of hotels will have vital support withdrawn in what they called a "firm but fair" approach.

The Epping protest was sparked after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He has denied the charge.

Essex police said there has been an "escalation of violence" during protests in Epping involving hundreds of people on four different days in July.

The force added that officers were assaulted, missiles were thrown, vehicles were vandalised and the hotel sustained broken windows and graffiti. More than a dozen arrests have been made in relation to the disorder in Epping.

The protests have sparked demonstrations in other parts of the country, including Norfolk and London. It includes one outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf which is reportedly set to be used to offer temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.

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