What began as a quiet and symbolic protest by mothers and children dressed in pink turned into something far more chaotic on Saturday afternoon in East London.
Outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, a demonstration that aimed to highlight community concerns about the housing of asylum seekers was suddenly overtaken by masked men and smoke bombs—escalating tension and fear.
Families Gather to Voice Concerns Over Migrant Crisis
The original protest was led by a group of local women and children who gathered calmly outside the hotel.
They waved England flags, wore pink to symbolize their message, and chanted “stop the boats” in a plea they say reflects how women and youth are being “let down” by the Government’s response to the migrant crisis.
Their goal, according to attendees, was to raise awareness—not to stir up hate.
They were concerned about safety, housing shortages, and transparency over who is being placed in their communities.
Violence Breaks Out as Masked Group Storms the Scene
But the atmosphere shifted dramatically when about 30 masked individuals in balaclavas descended on the crowd.
They set off smoke bombs and hurled expletives—including chants aimed at Labour leader Keir Starmer. The moment they attempted to rush the fencing set up around the hotel, police moved in quickly, and several arrests were made as the group fled the scene.
The protest, which had been largely peaceful until that point, was shaken by the disruption.
Local Residents Express Frustration and Fear
One protester named Kim, a 60-year-old grandmother who lives nearby, said she joined the protest out of concern for her family’s future.
“I’ve lived here for years, and my son still can’t get housing,” she explained.
“He’s been on the council list since he was 17. We don’t know who these people are moving in. We’re just asking for safety and honesty.”
Reacting to the masked group’s interruption, she added, “It was disgraceful.
They ruined what was supposed to be a peaceful protest.
I don’t want my grandkids exposed to that.”
Teen Protester Questions Integration Efforts
A 17-year-old protester, who goes by the name “Young Bob,” also spoke about his concerns—not just about security, but about how placing migrants in luxury hotels might work against efforts to integrate them into British life.
“This is Canary Wharf,” he said. “It’s a financial district. There’s no real community here during the weekdays.
How are asylum seekers supposed to integrate or adapt to life in Britain from a hotel like this?”
He also criticized those labeling the protest as far-right or racist: “They call us Nazis, but this is about opinion
and fairness.
Everyone should be allowed to speak without getting shouted down.”
Migrants Moved In During Early Hours
The tension stemmed from the recent arrival of suspected asylum seekers who were reportedly moved into the Britannia International Hotel in the middle of the night.
At around 1:40am on Saturday, a coach pulled up outside the four-star venue, and groups of men—many dressed in grey tracksuits—were seen being escorted off by masked security guards wearing body cameras.
This move came after days of preparation, including workers seen moving in beds and mattresses and police setting up metal fencing around the premises.
The plan, confirmed by Tower Hamlets Council, is for the hotel’s roughly 500 rooms to be used to house asylum seekers.
Community Reaction and Political Tension
The decision has sparked backlash not only from local residents but also from guests who had existing bookings at the hotel—only to find them abruptly cancelled.
Protesters argue the area is not suitable for such a plan, while critics claim the backlash itself is being unfairly branded as xenophobic.
Meanwhile, footage of the migrants’ late-night arrival, paired with the chaotic protest scenes, continues to stir controversy online.
Ongoing Police Presence and Awaiting Further Updates
The Metropolitan Police have maintained a strong presence in the area, both to manage protests and to ensure safety around the hotel.
Several arrests were made following the disruption, but further details from the Met are still awaited.