Tensions flared across Britain this weekend as anti-immigration demonstrators and anti-racism groups clashed in a series of protests over the government&rsquo;s use of hotels to house asylum seekers.
Rallies under the banner &ldquo;Abolish Asylum System&rdquo; were staged in multiple towns and cities including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Horley in Surrey, and London&rsquo;s Canary Wharf. Demonstrations also spread to Scotland, with gatherings in Aberdeen and Perth and to Wales, where protesters marched in Mold, Flintshire.
Counter-protests organised by Stand Up to Racism were mounted in Bristol, Cannock, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wakefield, Horley and Long Eaton in Derbyshire. In Bristol&rsquo;s Castle Park, mounted officers moved in to separate rival groups as tensions rose. Police later authorised a dispersal zone until 7 am on Sunday, granting powers to remove anyone causing &ldquo;harassment, alarm or distress.&rdquo;
In Horley, around 200 anti-immigration protesters waving St George and Union flags were met by roughly 50 pro-refugee campaigners. Members of Stand Up to Racism chanted: &ldquo;Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here&rdquo; while carrying placards demanding to &ldquo;stop deportations.&rdquo; The groups exchanged heated words, with one man on a megaphone shouting: &ldquo;You&rsquo;re all scum and you should be ashamed.&rdquo;
The wave of demonstrations comes amid an intensifying legal battle over hotel use for asylum housing. Last week, the high court granted Epping Forest district council a temporary injunction ordering the removal of asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Essex from 12 September. The government has since vowed to appeal against the ruling and to challenge the injunction, while several other councils are seeking legal advice on launching similar action.
As legal disputes escalate and street protests turn volatile, the row over asylum policy is becoming one of the most contentious flashpoints in Britain&rsquo;s political debate.

Streets Erupt Over Asylum Hotels in Britain

Police step in as rival protests clash across UK towns over migrant housing

Streets Erupt Over Asylum Hotels in Britain

Police step in as rival protests clash across UK towns over migrant housing

August 24, 2025 | 16:05 IST