Forty-five individuals were arrested following clashes between protesters and police during a demonstration in south London regarding the planned relocation of asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset.
Activists surrounded a coach at a hotel in Peckham around 08:40 BST, and by 15:00, it was driven away from the hotel without apparent passengers. This occurred amidst a record-breaking day for English Channel crossings, with 711 people detected crossing in small boats.
The Metropolitan Police reported instances of officers being assaulted during the protest, resulting in arrests for various offenses including obstruction of the highway, obstructing police, assault on police, and one racially aggravated public order offense.
The Home Office condemned the protesters’ behavior as “intimidatory and aggressive” and reiterated its commitment to reducing the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. They emphasized that asylum seekers are allocated accommodation on a no-choice basis and have avenues to contest unsuitable relocations.
Protesters voiced concerns about the suitability of the Bibby Stockholm for housing asylum seekers, arguing that those slated for relocation had established ties in the Peckham community and preferred not to be moved.
Following protests in Margate, plans to relocate asylum seekers to the Bibby barge were abandoned. Home Secretary James Cleverly defended the move away from hotel accommodations, citing cost concerns.
Despite police presence and road closures, protesters remained at the scene chanting slogans like “We shall not be moved” and “No borders, no nations, stop deportations.”
Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan affirmed the right to peaceful protest but emphasized that criminal behavior would be met with decisive action. He lamented the assault of officers during the protest.
The Home Office outlined plans to close 150 asylum seeker hotels by early May, working with accommodation providers to manage the transition while minimizing disruption to local authorities and asylum seekers.
Wednesday saw 14 small boats detected crossing the English Channel, contributing to a year-to-date increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year.
