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The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Huge metal barriers ‘to keep protesters away' put up around luxury hotel set to house asylum seekers…and paid for by YOU
BARRIERS have blocked off entry to a four-star hotel that is being converted to house asylum seekers, following protests yesterday. The tall protective wall could be seen outside Advertisement 7 Metal fencing has blocked off the entrance to the Britannia International Hotel Credit: George Cracknell Wright 7 Security were also seen manning the barriers this morning Credit: George Cracknell Wright 7 Anti-migrant protesters had gathered outside the building yesterday, following confirmation it would be used to house asylum seekers Credit: PA 7 The hotel is due to be converted to house asylum seekers in anticipation of a surge in summer Channel crossings Credit: Getty The hotel - which can cost tourists up to £425 a night to stay at - has been taken over by the Home Office in anticipation of a summer surge in Channel crossings, with the bill being footed by the taxpayer. Pictures today show tall metal fencing surrounding the main entrance to the hotel, with security also manning the wall. Anti-migrant protesters claim the barriers were put up to keep them away from the hotel entrance after protesters gathered yesterday. The decision to convert the hotel for asylum seekers has been branded an "insult", with some residents and local business owners saying they fear for their safety - adding that the move would attract protests. Advertisement A demonstration was held outside the hotel on Tuesday while yesterday police guarded the hotel as protesters gathered outside. The fencing had already been erected yesterday ahead of expected protests. Pictures also showed workers hauled beds inside, as Tower Hamlets Council confirmed the hotel would be used for migrants. The local authority added that the asylum seekers should receive a 'full package of support'. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Shadow Home Secretary 'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre. 7 Protesters gathered outside the hotel yesterday Credit: Getty 7 There was also a contingent of counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 A large police presence was in place yesterday outside the building Credit: Getty 'No wonder 'This is an insult to law-abiding citizens. 'The Government must urgently act to deport every single illegal arrival, then the crossings would rapidly stop but Advertisement Susan Hall, Tory leader in London's City Hall, added: 'It's incredible that four-star hotels like this are being used to house migrants. 'This move will damage every small firm in Canary Wharf trying to survive. 'Women and children, I can tell you, don't feel safe around these hotels in London. 'It shows things are getting worse and worse for hard-working Brits, who are trying to keep their families going. Advertisement 'This is the damage it is doing to society, and I think it is going to cause a really serious problem.' Some 23,534 migrants have already arrived on Read more on the Irish Sun Sources indicated the International will remain empty until necessary, with the Home Office striking a deal to rent 400 rooms for £81 a night. It means the weekly bill for the hotel could be up to £226,800 if every room is used. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Asylum seekers ‘gambling away tax-payer funded cash cards' meant for food and clothing ‘on slot machines and casinos'
OVER 6,000 asylum seekers have used government-issued cards loaded with £50 a week at betting shops and casinos. Pre-paid cards given out to pay for basics including food and clothing are being used in gambling venues, Home Office data reveals. 9 An Anti-Migrant Hotel protest was held in Canary Wharf outside the Britannia International Hotel Credit: George Cracknell Wright 9 Over 6,000 asylum seekers have used government-issued cards loaded with £50 a week at betting shops and casinos Credit: PA 9 Growing tension saw chaos erupt outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, last week Credit: Story Picture Agency While attempts to gamble online using the cards had been made, they were blocked each time so they were forced to use them in physical sites, as reported by This is because they can only be activated by using the chip and pin. There are currently around 80,000 ASPEN card users in the UK. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp told PoliticsHome: 'It is shocking that over 6,000 illegal immigrants have attempted to use hard-working British taxpayers' money to gamble. Read More "They have illegally entered this country without needing to – France is safe, and no one needs to flee from there. 'The British taxpayer has put them up in hotels, and now they slap us in the face by using the money they are given to fund gambling. "These illegal immigrants clearly don't need the money they are given if they are squandering it at casinos and arcades.' When asylum seekers are placed in fully catered hotels, the ASPEN card is loaded with roughly £9.95 per week. Most read in The Sun Meanwhile, in self-catered set ups, they are given around £49.18 per week. Data revealed, 227 migrants successfully used the cards to gamble in a week in November last year. Farage fury as cops admit ESCORTING pro-migrant protesters to Essex asylum hotel This month, were 40 incidents is the lowest recorded amount in one week. It is understood the Home Office is working on a solution to prevent this happening. Prepaid Financial Services and the Home Office have been contacted for comment. This comes as we revealed how 9 Outrage was sparked this week after workers were spotted hauling beds into a posh London hotel Credit: SelwynPics 9 It has been confirmed that no asylum seekers are currently living there 9 Housing asylum seekers in hotels costs the taxpayer £5.77million a day Credit: Ray Collins The raid was sparked after the Government gave out the locations of asylum hotels. We revealed how platforms like Just Eat and Deliveroo would be able Yesterday Immigration Enforcement officers questioned a number of delivery riders in Wood Green, North London, where at least one man was detained. A photo shows officers talking to the men, including some wearing Just Eat uniforms. One rider suspected of And just two weeks ago, there was another Immigration Enforcement raid on the Thistle City Hotel in Islington, Central London, which had been used as a hub for illicit gig economy jobs . When The Sun returned to the And we saw a steady stream of riders coming and going despite pledges by the Home Office to Outrage was also sparked this week after workers were spotted hauling beds into Labourers wheeled in the new furniture at the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this morning, following an anti-migrant protest outside the property last night. Around 150 activists had surrounded the hotel - in London's eastern financial centre - last night after false reports claimed asylum seekers were being transferred there from The rumours, circulated on X by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, claimed migrants would be moved from The Bell Hotel in Epping to the Canary Wharf building. While the Home Office later debunked these claims, it has been revealed that the hotel - where rooms cost up to £460 a night - will be repurposed as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. A spokesman for the Tower Hamlets Council said: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' It has been confirmed that no asylum seekers are currently living there - the Home Office reserves beds in empty hotel rooms in case of a surge in crossings over the summer period. Home Office sources revealed to The Sun that the average cost per night for a hotel room for a migrant is now £118.87, down from £162.16 in March 2023. Housing asylum seekers in hotels costs the taxpayer £5.77million a day. Some 23,534 migrants have already arrived on GROWING UNREST Chaos was sparked outside the hotel in Epping last week after an asylum seeker appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The unrest saw One thug was even run over while attempting to stop a police van gaining access to the hotel. Another man Cops arrested two men, aged 36, and 47, on suspicion of violent disorder under Section 2 of the Public Order Act. A 51-year-old has also now been charged with violent disorder. A 34-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of breaching Section 60AA of the Public Order Act. Meanwhile, two teens aged 17 and 16, were also arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a vehicle and going equipped to cause criminal damage, respectively. The force confirmed eight officers were injured in the clashes. The protest was sparked by a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker who was arrested and later charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who had been living at the Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex, denies sexual assault. He appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 10, where he denied all charges. His arrest led to multiple protests in the region, culminating in the violent clashes. Since tensions reached boiling point, violent demonstrations have cost the force £100,000. 9 A man jumping on a police riot van in Essex Credit: no credit 9 One protester was knocked down while trying to stop a police vehicle Credit: Newsflare 9 Since tensions reached boiling point, violent demonstrations have cost the force £100,000 Credit: LNP
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Asylum seekers ‘gambling away tax-payer funded cash cards' meant for food and clothing ‘on slot machines and casinos'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OVER 6,000 asylum seekers have used government-issued cards loaded with £50 a week at betting shops and casinos. Pre-paid cards given out to pay for basics including food and clothing are being used in gambling venues, Home Office data reveals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 An Anti-Migrant Hotel protest was held in Canary Wharf outside the Britannia International Hotel Credit: George Cracknell Wright 9 Over 6,000 asylum seekers have used government-issued cards loaded with £50 a week at betting shops and casinos Credit: PA 9 Growing tension saw chaos erupt outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, last week Credit: Story Picture Agency While attempts to gamble online using the cards had been made, they were blocked each time so they were forced to use them in physical sites, as reported by PoliticsHome. This is because they can only be activated by using the chip and pin. There are currently around 80,000 ASPEN card users in the UK. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp told PoliticsHome: 'It is shocking that over 6,000 illegal immigrants have attempted to use hard-working British taxpayers' money to gamble. "They have illegally entered this country without needing to – France is safe, and no one needs to flee from there. 'The British taxpayer has put them up in hotels, and now they slap us in the face by using the money they are given to fund gambling. "These illegal immigrants clearly don't need the money they are given if they are squandering it at casinos and arcades.' When asylum seekers are placed in fully catered hotels, the ASPEN card is loaded with roughly £9.95 per week. Meanwhile, in self-catered set ups, they are given around £49.18 per week. Data revealed, 227 migrants successfully used the cards to gamble in a week in November last year. Farage fury as cops admit ESCORTING pro-migrant protesters to Essex asylum hotel This month, were 40 incidents is the lowest recorded amount in one week. It is understood the Home Office is working on a solution to prevent this happening. Prepaid Financial Services and the Home Office have been contacted for comment. This comes as we revealed how migrants suspected of illegally working as delivery drivers were nicked by the Home Office yesterday. 9 Outrage was sparked this week after workers were spotted hauling beds into a posh London hotel Credit: SelwynPics 9 It has been confirmed that no asylum seekers are currently living there 9 Housing asylum seekers in hotels costs the taxpayer £5.77million a day Credit: Ray Collins The raid was sparked after the Government gave out the locations of asylum hotels. We revealed how platforms like Just Eat and Deliveroo would be able to block users from taking orders at known asylum accommodation sites. Yesterday Immigration Enforcement officers questioned a number of delivery riders in Wood Green, North London, where at least one man was detained. A photo shows officers talking to the men, including some wearing Just Eat uniforms. One rider suspected of working illegally, who was wearing a beige t-shirt, was searched and placed in the back of a van. And just two weeks ago, there was another Immigration Enforcement raid on the Thistle City Hotel in Islington, Central London, which had been used as a hub for illicit gig economy jobs. When The Sun returned to the hotel on Tuesday we found delivery rider bags and e-bikes were still parked in a fenced-off enclosure outside the three-star hotel. And we saw a steady stream of riders coming and going despite pledges by the Home Office to crack down. Outrage was also sparked this week after workers were spotted hauling beds into a posh London hotel that is set to house hundreds of asylum seekers. Labourers wheeled in the new furniture at the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this morning, following an anti-migrant protest outside the property last night. Around 150 activists had surrounded the hotel - in London's eastern financial centre - last night after false reports claimed asylum seekers were being transferred there from another migrant hotel in Epping. The rumours, circulated on X by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, claimed migrants would be moved from The Bell Hotel in Epping to the Canary Wharf building. While the Home Office later debunked these claims, it has been revealed that the hotel - where rooms cost up to £460 a night - will be repurposed as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. A spokesman for the Tower Hamlets Council said: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' It has been confirmed that no asylum seekers are currently living there - the Home Office reserves beds in empty hotel rooms in case of a surge in crossings over the summer period. Home Office sources revealed to The Sun that the average cost per night for a hotel room for a migrant is now £118.87, down from £162.16 in March 2023. Housing asylum seekers in hotels costs the taxpayer £5.77million a day. Some 23,534 migrants have already arrived on small boats this year — 48 per cent higher than this time in 2024. GROWING UNREST Chaos was sparked outside the hotel in Epping last week after an asylum seeker appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The unrest saw yobs launching themselves on riot vans, smashing windshields and ripping off wingmirrors in senseless displays of "hooliganism". One thug was even run over while attempting to stop a police van gaining access to the hotel. Another man had his teeth knocked out after riot cops smashed a shield into his face in a brutal clash. Cops arrested two men, aged 36, and 47, on suspicion of violent disorder under Section 2 of the Public Order Act. A 51-year-old has also now been charged with violent disorder. A 34-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of breaching Section 60AA of the Public Order Act. Meanwhile, two teens aged 17 and 16, were also arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a vehicle and going equipped to cause criminal damage, respectively. The force confirmed eight officers were injured in the clashes. The protest was sparked by a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker who was arrested and later charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who had been living at the Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex, denies sexual assault. He appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 10, where he denied all charges. His arrest led to multiple protests in the region, culminating in the violent clashes. Since tensions reached boiling point, violent demonstrations have cost the force £100,000. 9 A man jumping on a police riot van in Essex Credit: no credit 9 One protester was knocked down while trying to stop a police vehicle Credit: Newsflare
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Workers haul beds into posh 4-star London hotel set to house hundreds of asylum seekers – as protesters gather outside
WORKERS have been spotted hauling beds into a posh London hotel that is set to house hundreds of asylum seekers. Labourers wheeled in the new furniture at the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this morning, following an anti-migrant protest outside the property last night. 6 Workers could be seen carrying mattresses into the Britannia International Hotel this morning Credit: SelwynPics 6 New beds were also spotted being taken into the hotel Credit: SelwynPics 6 Anti-migrant protesters outside the building yesterday Credit: George Cracknell Wright Around 150 activists had surrounded the hotel - in London's eastern financial centre - last night after false reports claimed asylum seekers were being transferred there from While the Home Office later confirmed that migrants were not being transferred, it has been revealed that the hotel - where rooms cost up to £460 a night - will be repurposed as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. A spokesman for the Tower Hamlets Council said: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' This morning, workers were seen wheeling beds and mattresses into the hotel - which has close to 500 rooms. Some 50 police officers were drafted in to supervise the march on Tuesday, which at times descended into shouting matches with a small counter-protest of five people. One held a sign reading: 'Safe and legal routes now'. Most read in The Sun The small counter-march was eventually escorted away by cops. Several passing motorists honked their horns in support, though some shouted 'Free Palestine' out their windows. Among those at the protest yesterday was Reform's chief whip Lee Anderson MP, who said in an online video: 'Absolutely furious. This hotel here… it must cost a couple of hundred quid a night to stay there. 'Most normal people in this country would not be able to afford to come and stay here for a weekend, but we have illegals coming here.' Stopped by reporters, Mr Anderson insisted he was only passing through the area by chance. The protest had been sparked by social media rumours that asylum seekers had been moved into the four-star hotel. It has also been claimed that some tourists had their bookings at the hotel cancelled with little notice. Rooms at the hotel, the Britannia brand's biggest and flagship residence which opened in 1992, were last night unavailable to book online. The Home Office said migrants had not been moved from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which was at the centre of Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper branded yobs, who left Police vehicles were smashed by yobs who climbed on them and there was damage to the building. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Read more on the Irish Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at 6 Bunting bearing the English flag was seen outside the hotel today Credit: Getty 6 Around 50 police officers were drafted in on Tuesday to supervise the march Credit: Getty 6 The four-star hotel is located in London's eastern financial district Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Workers haul beds into posh 4-star London hotel set to house hundreds of asylum seekers – as protesters gather outside
Violent clashes broke out between protesters and police last week at another hotel in London HOTEL CHAOS Workers haul beds into posh 4-star London hotel set to house hundreds of asylum seekers – as protesters gather outside Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WORKERS have been spotted hauling beds into a posh London hotel that is set to house hundreds of asylum seekers. Labourers wheeled in the new furniture at the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this morning, following an anti-migrant protest outside the property last night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Workers could be seen carrying mattresses into the Britannia International Hotel this morning Credit: SelwynPics 6 New beds were also spotted being taken into the hotel Credit: SelwynPics 6 Anti-migrant protesters outside the building yesterday Credit: George Cracknell Wright Around 150 activists had surrounded the hotel - in London's eastern financial centre - last night after false reports claimed asylum seekers were being transferred there from another migrant hotel in Epping. While the Home Office later confirmed that migrants were not being transferred, it has been revealed that the hotel - where rooms cost up to £460 a night - will be repurposed as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. A spokesman for the Tower Hamlets Council said: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' This morning, workers were seen wheeling beds and mattresses into the hotel - which has close to 500 rooms. Some 50 police officers were drafted in to supervise the march on Tuesday, which at times descended into shouting matches with a small counter-protest of five people. One held a sign reading: 'Safe and legal routes now'. The small counter-march was eventually escorted away by cops. Several passing motorists honked their horns in support, though some shouted 'Free Palestine' out their windows. Among those at the protest yesterday was Reform's chief whip Lee Anderson MP, who said in an online video: 'Absolutely furious. This hotel here… it must cost a couple of hundred quid a night to stay there. 'Most normal people in this country would not be able to afford to come and stay here for a weekend, but we have illegals coming here.' Stopped by reporters, Mr Anderson insisted he was only passing through the area by chance. The protest had been sparked by social media rumours that asylum seekers had been moved into the four-star hotel. It has also been claimed that some tourists had their bookings at the hotel cancelled with little notice. Rooms at the hotel, the Britannia brand's biggest and flagship residence which opened in 1992, were last night unavailable to book online. The Home Office said migrants had not been moved from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which was at the centre of clashes between yobs and cops last week. Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper branded yobs, who left eight officers injured during the clashes, as selfish, mindless thugs. Police vehicles were smashed by yobs who climbed on them and there was damage to the building. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. 6 Bunting bearing the English flag was seen outside the hotel today Credit: Getty 6 Around 50 police officers were drafted in on Tuesday to supervise the march Credit: Getty
