Police under pressure as protests coincide with Notting Hill Carnival | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAmy-Clare MartinSaturday 23 August 2025 08:28 BSTProtesters gather outside the Bell Hotel in Epping after injunction blocks housing of asylum seekersPolice are preparing for potential unrest this weekend due to anti-migrant protests planned at 26 hotels housing asylum seekers across the UK.These demonstrations coincide with the Notting Hill Carnival in London, expected to draw a million revellers, and Premier League football matches, adding pressure on police resources.Counter-protests are also organised by groups like Stand Up to Racism at various locations nationwide.The protests occur as the latest figures showed the number of asylum seekers in hotels has risen to 32,000, and some councils are exploring legal challenges against the use of these hotels.Separately, the Metropolitan Police have made 100 arrests and seized weapons in an effort to deter crime and violence at the Notting Hill Carnival, deploying significant resources and technology.In fullPolice braced for weekend of unrest as fresh wave of hotel protests clashes with Notting Hill CarnivalThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in