Protests Against Migrant Hotels Expand Across England Amid Rising Tensions

Protests opposing the UK government's policy of accommodating primarily young male undocumented migrants in hotels across England have continued into Saturday, with demonstrations expanding to several major cities. The unrest originated last month in Epping, Essex, following an incident involving an Ethiopian migrant accused of sexually assaulting a minor, which sparked local opposition to a nearby migrant hotel. Over the weekend, demonstrations intensified in London, Manchester, and Newcastle, with notable protests at the Thistle City Barbican hotel in Islington, where hundreds gathered under banners demanding the closure of the facility. Participants carried signs calling for stricter immigration controls, including "Stop the boats, deport foreign criminals." In London, Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader and MP for Islington North, encouraged supporters to join counterprotests advocating for more open borders. This led to clashes between demonstrators and police, with some migrants seen gesturing towards protesters from hotel windows. According to reports, nine arrests were made during these events in London. Similar protests occurred in Manchester, drawing approximately ...