Hundreds gather outside hotel housing asylum seekers as protests continue

Hundreds of people gathered outside of a hotel on the outskirts of Norwich as protests continued over housing asylum seekers.

Demonstrators marched from The Norkie pub to the Brook Hotel, in Bowthorpe, this afternoon to protest against the government’s decision to use the site to house asylum seekers.

A large police presence escorted them down the road, putting themselves between the protesters and a group of counter protesters at 2pm on Sunday.

As they chanted “whose streets – our streets”, counter protesters hit back with “everyone’s streets” holding signs that said: “Norwich welcomes everyone, except fascists”.

Union Jacks and St George flags were waved as “shut the Brook” was called out by demonstrators, alongside chants of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist who was killed while debating college students at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Both St George flags and Union Jack flags were waved around by protesters.(Image: Newsquest)

Counter protesters outside the hotel this afternoon.(Image: Newsquest)

Counter protesters chanted “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome” alongside “free Palestine” as the UK officially announced the formal recognition of a Palestinian state today.

The runner of SIP The System, a “left-wing anti-fascism” page, said: “I have been trying to get the community together to make a point that this town isn’t racist, we do welcome refugees and not everything the right are spilling is true.”

“You can still defend refugees but also hold criminals accountable.

“We understand that there are some people who are criminals – we are not saying we are protecting those people.

“We are protecting the people who are here wanting to get refugee status, wishing to be here from countries of war.”

Flags have been put on the fencing of the hotel.(Image: Newsquest)

One of the protesters said: “I have never been to a protest in my life – this is the first time I have come because I have had enough.

“I’m not against migrants coming here, but we can’t afford to keep going on like this. We have a homeless problem of our own in Norwich, we are not putting them up in a hotel.”

Through the microphone, a version of Row, Row, Row Your Boat was sang with the lyrics: “Row your boat gently down your street, the immigrants are coming in and we don’t want them here.”

Counter protesters began to leave at 3.45pm as the protestors continued to chant past 4pm.

One was heard saying “see you next week” but it is uncertain whether another protest has been planned.

Hundreds gather outside hotel housing asylum seekers as protests continue

Tags: