Six people have been arrested after anti-migrant demonstrations outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf on Sunday (17 August).
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Six arrests so far: for breaching Section 14 Public Order conditions, possession of Class B drugs, and assaulting an emergency worker. Conditions to stay on the pavement remain in force, with officers still present.”
The protest, which began on Friday and continued through the weekend, is part of a series of demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the UK.
Protesters clash with counter-demonstrators
Around 100 people gathered near the hotel, many holding England flags and banners reading “Stop the Boats.” Officers deployed in large numbers to separate them from counter-demonstrators aligned with Stand Up to Racism, who staged a counter-protest under the banner “Defend Refugees, Stop the Far Right.”
Others criticised the government’s handling of asylum seeker accommodation, arguing that residents had not been consulted.
Recent tension
The protest follows a recent incident at the same hotel, when 22-year-old Channay Augustus allegedly attempted to storm the building with a meat cleaver after claiming she had confronted a migrant in her mother’s flat. Augustus was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 12.
Police presence remains
By Sunday evening, officers continued to enforce restrictions outside the Britannia International Hotel, with conditions requiring protesters to remain on pavements.
The Met said further policing operations are planned in anticipation of another demonstration and possible counter-protest outside the hotel on Sunday evening.
Anyone with concerns about the demonstrations can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101.
