Overview

• Epping Forest District Council voted unanimously on July 24 to call for the immediate and permanent closure of the Bell Hotel for asylum processing.
• On July 25 the Home Office introduced a Failure to Travel policy to penalise asylum seekers who refuse relocation to suitable alternative accommodation.
• Protests at the Bell Hotel since July 13 have led to at least 18 arrests, ten charges, and eight police officers injured during violent disorder on July 17.
• Demonstrations have spread to Norwich, Leeds, Southampton and Nottinghamshire, prompting increased police deployments and forecasts of further gatherings.
• Asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied charges of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl and is due to stand trial in August, fuelling local safety concerns.