Overview

• Hundreds gathered outside Parliament in pink shirts and flags to call for an end to hotel accommodation for asylum seekers, faster processing and relocation away from schools.
• Stand Up To Racism held a counter-protest nearby, accusing the group of promoting racist division as Pink Ladies supporters framed their action as protecting women and children.
• The Westminster march followed heightened protests in Epping after Bell Hotel resident Hadush Kebatu was convicted and sentenced for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
• The Bell Hotel continues to house asylum seekers after the Court of Appeal overturned a temporary injunction that would have forced about 138 people to leave, with a three-day hearing scheduled for October 15.
• Organizer Sarah White addressed the crowd as the movement’s founder urged Keir Starmer to meet Pink Ladies representatives and raised concerns about proposals to place asylum seekers in HMOs.