Police stood between the two groups outside the city’s Shire Hall
Isobel Williams and Paul Greaves Senior News Reporter
20:39, 05 Oct 2025
Demonstrations and counter demonstrations over the housing of asylum seekers in hotels in Gloucestershire(Image: SWNS)
Protesters against illegal migrants turned out in Gloucester on Sunday – where they were met by counter-demonstrators.
A group carrying a banner that said “enough is enough, stop the boats” turned up outside the city’s Shire Hall.
Footage from the day shows protesters shouting “save our children, send them back” through a megaphone.
But counter-protesters also arrived in masses, and could be heard chanting: “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”
The march was in response to the use of hotels as housing for asylum seekers.
Police responded with an increased presence in the area.
The scenes mirrored those in other parts of the country involving demonstrators from both sides.
Demonstrations and counter demonstrations over the housing of asylum seekers in hotels in Gloucestershire(Image: SWNS)
Three people were arrested following a similar stand-off in Bristol.
Between 70 and 100 protesters against unchecked immigration attended and between 300-400 counter protesters.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that three people were arrested on suspicion of either assault or public order offences and remain in police custody at the time of reporting.
Demonstrations and counter demonstrations over the housing of asylum seekers in hotels in Gloucestershire(Image: SWNS)
Protesters began to march at 2pm from the Cenotaph to College Green, surrounded by counter protesters.
The scenes in Gloucester were similar. There were loudspeakers, shouting, flag-waving from both demonstrations with each side kept apart by lines of police and barriers.
Want the latest Gloucestershire breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.