Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Epping Council Urges Closure of Hotel Amid Protests
People are protesting outside a hotel in Epping because asylum seekers are living there.
The protests started after one asylum seeker was accused of a crime.
Some local residents are upset, and far-right groups have also joined the protests.
The local council wants the government to close the hotel.
The government is planning to stop using hotels for asylum seekers in the future.
Epping Forest District Council voted to urge the government to shut down The Bell Hotel.
Protests began after an asylum seeker at the hotel was charged with sexual assault.
17 people have been arrested and six charged with offenses since the protests began.
Local residents and far-right groups have been involved in the protests.
The government aims to stop using hotels for asylum seekers by 2029.
- Who
- Local residents, far-right groups, and asylum seekers are involved.
- What
- Protests and council vote regarding The Bell Hotel and asylum seekers.
- When
- Protests started nearly two weeks ago; the council voted recently.
- Where
- The Bell Hotel in Epping.
- Why
- Protests began after an asylum seeker was charged with a crime; the council opposes the use of the hotel.
Concerns of Residents
Actions of Council
Protest Motivations
Concerns of Residents
Frustration over asylum system
Actions of Council
Infiltration by far-right groups
- Hotel Name
- The Bell Hotel
- Location
- Epping
- Number Arrested
- 17
- Charges Filed
- 6
- Council Stance
- Wants hotel closed
- Government Goal
- End hotel use for asylum seekers by 2029