Overview

• The Court of Appeal said it will aim to deliver its judgment at 2pm Friday on challenges by the Home Office and Somani Hotels.
• If the High Court’s interim injunction stands, about 138 asylum seekers must leave the Bell Hotel by 12 September.
• The Home Office argues the injunction risks setting a nationwide precedent, strains limited accommodation capacity, and could encourage further disorder.
• Somani Hotels says the judge overlooked the hardship to residents and the business impact, while the council maintains the case involves a planning‑control breach and sets no precedent.
• Essex Police prepared for further demonstrations on Thursday, imposing a face‑covering ban near the hotel as protests and counter‑protests continued.