Nigel Farage, the prominent Brexit campaigner and former UKIP leader, has joined protesters in Epping to oppose the use of a local hotel to house asylum seekers. The demonstration, which drew a mix of supporters and critics, highlighted growing tensions over the UK's immigration policies.
Farage Takes Centre Stage
Addressing the crowd, Farage condemned the government's approach to asylum accommodation, calling it "unfair" on local communities. "This is not about hostility towards those seeking refuge," he claimed, "but about the strain on public services and lack of consultation."
Local Residents Divided
While some Epping residents welcomed Farage's involvement, others accused him of stoking division. One local business owner told reporters: "We're a welcoming town, but the sudden arrival of so many people has caused genuine concerns."
Government Response
The Home Office maintains that using hotels is a temporary measure to address the backlog in asylum applications. A spokesperson said: "We're working to find more sustainable, cost-effective accommodation solutions."
The protest comes as immigration continues to dominate political debate ahead of the next general election.
