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Two arrests made at Newcastle anti-asylum hotel protest, one unrelated

Police attended an anti-asylum hotel protest in Newcastle on Saturday. <i>(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)</i>
Police attended an anti-asylum hotel protest in Newcastle on Saturday. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
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Police made two arrests at a protest against the UK's asylum policy, the second in as many weeks in Newcastle, on Saturday (August 9).

Northumbria Police said one of those arrested on suspicion of committing a public order offence, but the other arrest was unrelated to the protest.

The protestors, many donning the flag of St George as capes, took to the streets around the location of a hotel housing asylum seekers in the city.

A large-scale police presence attended the protest after warnings were issued to 'agitators' within groups of pro and anti-asylum protestors at other gatherings around the country in recent weeks.

It is the second such protest in as many weeks in Newcastle, with last week's met with counter-protestors and resulting in four arrests.

The events in Newcastle have followed similar events elsewhere in the country as groups opposed to asylum seekers being housed in hotels are staging a "Great British National Protest" nationwide.

(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) The crowds who gathered in Newcastle on Saturday (August 9) were again met by counter-protestors who chanted pro-refugee slogans.

In Newcastle, the Newcastle Unites group and Stand Up to Racism are opposing those protesting against the use of hotels to house asylum seekers.

Earlier this week talks began to end the use of a Newcastle city centre hotel for housing asylum seekers.

Newcastle City Council confirmed discussions with the Home Office had taken place after Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged earlier this summer to halt the practice as part of her spending review.

It is believed anti-migrant protestors plan to gather at the hotel in question 'every week, for the foreseeable future', according to posters seen for the event.


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A protestor flies the Union Flag. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware of a protest planned in Newcastle today (Saturday), we ensured we had an increased presence in the city to deliver a proportionate policing response.  

“While the activity mainly passed without incident, disappointingly, one person was arrested in connection with a public order offence.

“Another person was arrested for a matter not related to the protest activity.

“They remain in police custody at the time.   

“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold.  

“However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.  

“If anyone has any concerns following today’s events, please contact us via a direct message on social media, or using the live chat on our website.  

“For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101.” 

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