UK Wave Of Protests At Hotels Housing Asylum Seekers Triggers Dispersal Orders And Enhanced Police Powers

Two opposing groups peacefully gathered outside the Mercure Bristol Brigstow Hotel, which is housing asylum seekers. Police kept the groups apart for around 90 minutes, used enhanced powers (including asking people to remove face coverings) and imposed a dispersal order. The protest in Bristol follows a wave of similar demonstrations across the UK, some of which have seen clashes and arrests. Home Office figures show 1,265 asylum seekers in Bristol in March 2025, with 892 in contingency accommodation such as hotels.