A protest over the housing of asylum seekers erupted into chaos on Sunday afternoon at the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, leaving four people arrested and sparking a heated debate over police tactics. The demonstration, involving a group called the Pink Ladies, quickly escalated when masked demonstrators clashed with officers outside the hotel and inside a nearby shopping centre.
Chaos on the Streets
Footage circulating on social media showed protesters in balaclavas confronting police, who had issued a Section 60AA order to prevent masked identities.
Officers formed barriers, shouting at crowds to move back, while one officer was seen using synthetic pepper spray (PAVA) to try and disperse demonstrators.
The images were striking: one showed a woman recoiling in pain, another captured a screaming 12-year-old boy being carried away for treatment, with a masked man trying to soothe his eyes with water-soaked tissues.
The Met confirmed that one officer was punched and others faced verbal and physical abuse, leading to four arrests for offences including assault and drug possession.
Protesters Dispute Police Account
The Pink Ladies strongly rejected the police version of events.
Their chief organiser, Lorraine Cavanagh, claimed the officer actually injured herself while handling pepper spray, and was helped by protesters.
“Far from being attacked, she was supported by our members, who immediately offered assistance with baby wipes and water,” Cavanagh said.
She added that the spray affected not only the police officer, but also a 12-year-old child, a 70-year-old protest leader, and a journalist covering the event.
Cavanagh argued that reckless crowd-control tactics pose serious risks to children, the elderly, and members of the press.
“Our purpose is to stand up for justice in a non-violent, compassionate, and respectful way.
Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and we will continue to exercise it responsibly even when provoked,” she added.
Police Stand Firm
Commander Adam Slonecki of the Metropolitan Police defended the force’s actions, saying officers acted quickly to contain the disorder and protect the public.
He highlighted that many community members, including women and children, attended the protest peacefully.
“Those who arrive masked and intent on causing trouble will continue to be dealt with robustly at future protests,” Slonecki said, adding that the force will not tolerate criminal behaviour inside or outside the shopping centre.
The Wider Context
This protest is the latest in a wave of demonstrations over hotels being used to house asylum seekers.
Tensions have risen following the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn an injunction that would have relocated 138 migrants from the Bell Hotel in Epping.
The hotel has become a flashpoint in the national debate on immigration, especially after an asylum seeker staying there, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl. He has denied the charges.
A Nation Divided
The Canary Wharf protest highlights the deep divisions in public opinion over the UK’s asylum system, with passionate voices on both sides.
As authorities and protesters clash, the challenge remains to balance the right to peaceful protest with public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
