Violent protests outside refugee hotel ‘disappointing’ says bishop

The lead Catholic bishop for refugees and migrants has described violent protests outside a hotel that houses asylum seekers in Epping Forest as “disappointing”.

Bishop Paul McAleenan spoke of the “dangerous consequences” of stirring up and exploiting “fear”, following the demonstrations.

On Thursday, 17 July, hundreds of people protested outside the hotel after reports that a 38-year-old Ethiopian living there had attacked a local, 14-year-old girl. A smaller group held a pro-refugee demonstration around the same time.

According to police, the gathering was initially peaceful but “selfish criminality and violence” erupted around 6.30pm. Officers were injured and a man appeared in court on 21 July accused of violent disorder. At least 18 further people were arrested following continuing protests over the weekend of 19 and 20 July.

In a statement, McAleenan said: “While the right to protest peacefully is part of our democratic tradition, protests that spread hatred and fear, and which intimidate are not acceptable.”  

He added: “We have seen before, including in last year’s attacks on hotels used for asylum accommodation, the dangerous consequences when fear is stirred up and exploited. Such actions do not reflect who we are as a society.

“We must remember that the individuals housed in that hotel are not faceless intruders, but people – human beings who have fled war, persecution and hardship in search of safety and dignity.”

McAleenan said migrants were not “objects to be sent back or spoken of as burdens. They are our brothers and sisters, deserving of compassion and our welcome.”

He added: “Alleged criminal acts must be investigated and follow due process and the rule of law. This is necessary for the common good of society and to prevent a cycle of violence developing.”

He continued: “In the words of Pope Leo XIV: ‘No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person’. We must not allow hatred or hostility to harden our hearts.”

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