Six Arrested After Anti-Migrant Protests at Canary Wharf Hotel
Six people have been arrested following anti-migrant demonstrations outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf on Sunday, 17 August.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“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.”
Weekend Protests Spark Clash
The protest kicked off on Friday and ran through the weekend, part of ongoing demonstrations targeting hotels housing asylum seekers across the UK.
About 100 protesters gathered near the hotel, waving England flags and holding “Stop the Boats” banners. Police deployed in force to keep them apart from counter-demonstrators aligned with Stand Up to Racism, who rallied under the slogan “Defend Refugees, Stop the Far Right.”
Tensions Run High Over Asylum Housing
Critics slammed the government’s handling of asylum seeker accommodation, saying local residents were left in the dark about the hotel use.
This follows a recent alarming incident at the same hotel when 22-year-old Channay Augustus allegedly tried to storm the building with a meat cleaver after confronting a migrant in her mother’s flat. Augustus was remanded in custody and will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 12 September.
Police Brace for More Demonstrations
By Sunday evening, police remained at the Britannia International Hotel to enforce restrictions requiring protesters to stay on the pavements.
The Met confirmed more policing operations are planned ahead of another anticipated demonstration and possible counter-protest on Sunday evening.
Anyone with concerns about the protests is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101.
