Police have imposed strict conditions on protests planned for Saturday against the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers in London and Newcastle. The Metropolitan Police announced an increased police presence would be deployed for demonstrations outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London.
The protest against the Islington hotel has been organised by local residents under the banner "Thistle Barbican needs to go - locals say no". A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, will also take place alongside other groups including Finsbury Park Mosque and Islington Labour Party.
Police set protest boundaries
Police said the anti-asylum hotel protest had been "endorsed by groups from outside the local community which is likely to increase the number of people attending". Online groups that have voiced support for the protest include "Patriots of Britain" and "Together for the Children".
The Metropolitan Police have established specific conditions for both demonstrations. Anyone participating in the anti-asylum hotel protest must remain within King Charles Square and the assembly must not begin before 1pm and must conclude by 4pm.
Counter protesters given separate area
Counter protest participants must remain in Lever Street, near the junction with Central Street, and their assembly must not begin before 12pm and must conclude by 4pm. The Metropolitan Police said plans were in place to "respond to any protest activity in the vicinity of other hotels in London being used to accommodate asylum seekers".
Chief Superintendent Clair Haynes, in charge of the policing operation, said: "We have been in discussions with the organisers of both protests in recent days, building on the ongoing engagement between local officers, community groups and partners. We understand that there are strongly held views on all sides."
Newcastle protests also planned
She added: "Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely but intervening at the first sign of actions that cross the line into criminality. We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to put conditions in place to prevent serious disorder and to minimise serious disruption to the lives of people and businesses in the local community."
Similar protests are planned in Newcastle on Saturday outside The New Bridge Hotel. A "for our children, for our future" protest has been advertised online, whilst a "stop the far right and fascists in Newcastle" counter protest has been organised by Stand Up To Racism at the nearby Laing Art Gallery.
Counter protesters cite recent violence
In a statement, the organisers of the Newcastle counter protest said: "Yet again far-right and fascist thugs are intent on bringing their message of hate to Newcastle. They aim to build on years of Islamophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and scapegoating."
They added: "In Epping and elsewhere recently we have already seen intimidation and violence aimed at refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Newcastle, like the rest of the North East, has a well-earned reputation for unity in the face of those who seek to divide us." Northumbria Police have been approached for comment.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
