Migrant Hotel Crisis: Epping Protests, Essex Police Response & Canary Wharf Updates
Date: July 23, 2025
🔥 Clashes at Bell Hotel, Epping
Violent unrest broke out outside the Bell Hotel in Epping Forest on July 17–18, where an asylum seeker had been housed and charged with sexual offences. What began as a peaceful protest escalated—rock and egg throwing, riot vans surrounded, and eight officers injured according to Essex Police and prosecutors 5. Counter-demonstrators were escorted to safety.
🚓 Police Escort Controversy
Video evidence prompted Essex Police to admit they escorted pro-migrant protesters via a foot cordon to the site—a reversal from an earlier denial that they “bussed” anyone 6. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said:
“It is not for Essex Police to make a judgement about asylum or immigration policy… The issue is about an effective policing operation.” 7
He refused calls to resign, focusing instead on impartial law enforcement and the right to peaceful protest 8.
🛎️ Canary Wharf: Britannia Hotel Prep
Meanwhile, workers have begun transporting beds into the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, central London. The Home Office has reserved more than 400 rooms at £81 per night per asylum seeker—though no one is currently housed there 9.
Protests erupted as false claims circulated on social media that migrants had been transferred from Epping to Canary Wharf 10. Tower Hamlets Council and local police have stressed the need for accurate information and community support 11.
💰 Cost of Hotel Accommodation
The nationwide use of hotels for asylum seekers is costing roughly £5.77 million per day 12. The average nightly rate per room has fallen to ~£118.87, down from £162.16 in March 2023 13.
📌 Summary & Implications
- Public order strains: Epping violence led to 10 arrests and hospitalised officers; costs to the Essex force exceed £100k 14.
- Police impartiality under scrutiny: Harrington reiterated focus on safety, not policy, amid growing political pressure 15.
- Misinformation impact: False migrant transfer claims to Canary Wharf inflamed tensions 16.
- Government preparedness: Home Office proactive booking aims to manage migrant surges, not facilitate transfers 17.
🗣️ Quotes
“It is not for Essex Police to make a judgement about asylum or immigration policy… The issue is about an effective policing operation.”
— Chief Constable BJ Harrington
“We will not hesitate to make arrests when criminality takes place.”
— Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow
📅 What Happens Next
Essex Police have warned against further protests driven by misinformation and are urging calm. Tower Hamlets Council and the Home Office will coordinate on hotel management and support services. MPs and local leaders call for community engagement and fact-based discussion to reduce tensions.
