Protest for and against migrant hotels draws a hundred

A mass demonstration in Long Eaton today drew around 100 people protesting against asylum seekers being housed in hotels in the local area and a large number supporting the move. Around forty people from far-right group Patriotic Alternative campaigned "peacefully but vocally", reported Nottinghamshire Live, against the use of the Novotel and Best Western in Bostocks Lane to temporarily shelter migrants.[1][2][3] Campaigning against them were around 60 sixty members of the public and members of a variety of trade unions.

The furore over the migrant hotels has been bubbling for a long time and came to a head in October last year when the second hotel was taken over by the government.[4] Placards, banners and posters were on display by both parties, who took over the Market Place in the town centre for much of the morning and early afternoon. Police were also in attendance [5] and at one point were said to have made a ring around the protesters, but are not thought to have made any arrests. Tim Cooper was one of those countering the original protest.

The 63-year-old explained that he was in favour of migration. He said: "I think Nottingham and surrounding areas are welcoming, diverse and our strength is all the people have come here from the Caribbean, Pakistan and Eastern Europe. It makes us stronger.

To try to blame refugees is a complete travesty. "I think we should be supporting refugees more. I love what the people from Ukraine have brought and the fact we have been able stand together against tyranny, and for jobs and services as well."

The original protest, arranged by Patriotic Alternative, came after leaflets were posted through letterboxes across the town. The leaflet said that "the people of Long Eaton were never asked if they wanted hundreds of migrants pushed onto their community, and claimed "GBP7m is spent housing nationally migrants every day". A protestor on the other side to Mr Cooper, against the migrant hotels, said: "I think 'why have we got homeless people in this country?

Why are we giving social housing to migrants, when people from this country are on the waiting list? We are seeing the country deteriorate before our eyes." Alan Chewings, chair of Sawley Parish Council, had attended to "celebrate St George's Day", which he said "is a day we should be saying we don't welcome bigotry or hatred.

St George's Day should be a day of inclusivity and love to all people". Former councillor and local resident Cheryl Pidgeon said her family has been here in this country and been welcome since 1969. She condemned the anti-migrant protest, saying: "I just don't know why they are here.

It's ridiculous. These protestors are not welcome. They don't represent the view of the vast majority of this community and surrounding area".

Her views were echoed by train driver Tony Byrne, who said: "The basics are looking after the most vulnerable people in society. I don't mean this country, but this world". A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: "Officers are currently at Market Place in Long Eaton due to a protest.

We are there to facilitate peaceful protest as well as ensure public safety and to minimise disruption."

References

^ Long Eaton (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^ reported Nottinghamshire Live, (www.nottinghampost.com)
^ use of the Novotel and Best Western in Bostocks Lane to temporarily shelter migrants. (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^ came to a head in October last year when the second hotel was taken over by the government. (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^ Police were also in attendance (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
^ Bride dies just two months after wedding to childhood sweetheart (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)