Overview

• Jenrick posted photos from outside the Bell Hotel in Epping praising "peaceful, patriotic protesters" and speaking with demonstrators, including one wearing a "send them home" T‑shirt.
• An image he shared shows veteran organiser Eddy Butler in the background, who helped set up a BNP stewards group that evolved into Combat 18, according to Hope Not Hate, and who later boasted online that he was "riding shotgun for Robert Jenrick."
• Labour condemned the visit, described the event as organised by a far-right party, and pressed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to say what action she will take.
• Stand Up to Racism says Homeland member Callum Baker addressed the protest and helps run the "Epping Says No" Facebook group used to organise it.
• Commentary highlighted potential damage to Jenrick’s leadership prospects, with Nigel Farage and Reform figures also attacking his 2022 remarks about "procuring more hotels" for asylum seekers.