Protesters Gather at Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers in Norwich

Hundreds of people gathered to protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in the Norwich area. The protesters, numbering about 350 to 400, displayed St George's flags, placards, and banners with messages like 'Stop the invasion.' The event was largely peaceful but noisy, with a significant police presence. About 60 police officers monitored the scene while protesters listened to speeches from the back of a parked lorry. Anti-immigration demonstrators chanted slogans like 'We want our country back' and 'Stop the invasion.' The protest began at 14:00 BST and ended around 15:30 without any arrests, according to Norfolk Police.

One of the protest organizers, Glen Saffer, emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration and clarified that the protesters were not against all immigration. Protesters expressed their concerns about the housing of asylum seekers but also welcomed legal immigrants who could contribute positively to society. Counter-protesters in support of asylum seekers declined to speak to the BBC.

Similar protests have occurred at other locations, including Diss, Norfolk, where protesters gathered against Home Office plans to house single adult males in a hotel. The Home Office spokesperson stated that while the public has the right to protest, unlawful or violent behavior would not be tolerated. Contingency plans are in place to address any potential public disorder.

According to the source: BBC.