UK Police Brace for Protests and Carnival Security

Police forces across the United Kingdom are preparing for a challenging bank holiday weekend as anti-migrant protests coincide with the Notting Hill Carnival, Premier League fixtures, and ongoing legal disputes over asylum seeker accommodation.

Protests have been advertised at 26 hotels currently housing asylum seekers, including sites in Canary Wharf and Epping, where previous demonstrations have taken place. Counter-demonstrations, many organised by the group Stand Up To Racism, are expected in cities such as Bournemouth, Bristol, and Liverpool.

On Friday, rival groups gathered outside the TLK Hotel in Orpington, where chants of “Get them out” were met by banners declaring “Refugees welcome.” Police maintained a cordon between the groups, and no arrests were made.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said forces are experienced in managing such events and remain in constant review of the intelligence picture. A spokesperson confirmed that while the Metropolitan Police Service has significant resources committed to Notting Hill Carnival, no additional national mobilisation has yet been deemed necessary.

The protests come as official figures show around 32,000 asylum seekers are housed in hotels across the United Kingdom, down from a peak of approximately 56,000 in September 2023. Several councils, including those controlled by Labour, Conservative, and Reform UK representatives, are considering legal action against the continued use of hotels.

Earlier this month, Epping Forest District Council secured a temporary High Court injunction preventing asylum seekers from being accommodated at The Bell Hotel. The ruling followed unrest linked to the charging of an individual with sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. The government is appealing the decision.

The scale of the demonstrations has raised concerns among refugee charities. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the protests are causing alarm among vulnerable people who fled conflict zones. Freedom from Torture added that many asylum seekers now feel “hunted” amid escalating hostility.

Police officers have also voiced concern over the strain placed on resources. The Police Federation noted that prolonged public order duties mean long shifts, cancelled leave, and rising risks for frontline staff.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police have intensified security operations ahead of the Notting Hill Carnival. The force reported a number of arrests in recent days, with some people recalled to prison, firearms seized, and knives recovered. Several individuals have been banned from attending the event.

Commander Charmain Brenyah said the vast majority of attendees come to celebrate peacefully, but police remain focused on tackling serious violence. Officers will be deployed in significant numbers, supported by City of London Police and British Transport Police, with security measures including CCTV networks and screening arches.

The combination of nationwide protests, high-profile public events, and ongoing legal disputes means this weekend will be a significant test of policing resilience across the United Kingdom.