PFCC writes to Home Secretary with concerns about Epping protests
Roger Hirst has condemned protests and raised concern about the suitability of The Bell Hotel for housing asylum seekers
The Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex has written to the Home Secretary with concerns about the recent protests in Epping.
Roger Hirst says he's told Yvette Cooper he has concerns about the suitability of the Bell Hotel in Epping for housing newly arrived asylum seekers and that it's clearly creating tension with the community.
He's also said that whilst he accepts peaceful protest is a right and fundamental part of our democracy, that the unlawful activities that've been seen must stop as they're disruption local life and placing an unwelcome burden on Essex Police resources.
His full statement:
The level of violence we are seeing on the streets of Epping is not acceptable. Whilst peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, and we will always support the right of individuals to express their views lawfully and responsibly, this unlawful activity must stop in the interests of our local law-abiding residents.
I have today written to the Home Secretary, requesting a meeting to discuss the ongoing use of hotels in the Epping Forest District of Essex, and elsewhere in the county, to accommodate newly arrived asylum seekers. Specifically, I am seeking to highlight the unsuitability of The Bell Hotel in Epping for this purpose, and request that its use be reviewed.
The presence of asylum seeker accommodation in this district is clearly creating community tension. These large-scale protests are disrupting local life and placing an unwelcome burden on Essex Police resources.
Those who protest peacefully, within the law, and with respect for others pose no concern to our police or to the wider public. But I want people to be clear. Criminal violence of this nature will not be tolerated. The safety of the public and of our officers, and those involved in lawful protest is paramount.