Covert Arrival of Asylum Seekers Set to Spark Fresh Protests at Britannia Hotel, Canary Wharf

Overview

A covert operation late Friday night saw the first group of asylum seekers moved into the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, as national protests against the government’s hotel accommodation policy continue to escalate.

Video footage circulating online shows a large white coach pulling into the hotel’s security barrier, shielded by private security officers. Sixty-two men were seen disembarking the coach and being swiftly ushered into the building by staff and security teams.

This group is believed to be the first wave of arrivals to occupy the 500-room, four-star hotel, which the government is reportedly paying £80 per room per night to house asylum seekers.

Delays Due to Fire Safety Concerns

The hotel had remained vacant for several weeks, during which Metropolitan Police officers attended protests outside the premises. The property’s activation as asylum accommodation was delayed by fire safety concerns, with blocked fire exits understood to have prevented the final approval of a fire plan.

Sources indicate that the arrival was coordinated under cover of darkness to avoid confrontation, as public opposition to the policy grows.

National Protests Intensify

Across the UK, demonstrations opposing the use of hotels for asylum accommodation are becoming increasingly vocal. Protesters argue that the scheme is unsustainable, lacks transparency, and places undue strain on local communities and services.

While the Home Office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the Britannia International Hotel, officials have confirmed it forms part of a wider contingency plan amid ongoing pressures on the asylum housing system.

Police Presence and Council Response

The Metropolitan Police deployed officers to the scene of Tuesday night’s protests outside the hotel.
A police spokesperson stated:

“Officers are currently in attendance at a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf. We have a policing plan in place and will continue to monitor events.”

No arrests have been made in relation to the protests thus far.

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said:

“We are aware of the government’s decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.

It is important that the government ensures there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.”

The situation remains fluid, with community groups, political figures, and local authorities continuing to debate the use of hotels as interim asylum housing.