More than one hundred demonstrators gathered in Epping in a show of solidarity against ‘harassment’ of asylum seekers.

On Sunday, August 30 supporters gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping – the focus of a campaign by far-right fringe party For Britain – to support asylum seekers being housed in the hotel by the Home Office during the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers Harlow Stand Up To Racism and Waltham Forest Stand Up To Racism estimated more than 150 Labour party representatives were in attendance.

The demonstration follows a campaign against the asylum seekers at the hotel orchestrated by Epping Forest District For Britain councillor Julian Leppert and party ‘fixer’ Eddy Butler.

The pair have been accused of ‘fake news’ over Youtube videos claiming there had been a spike in crime – refuted by Essex Police – and that an independent foodbank was diverting food to the hotel, a claim dismissed by the charity.

Zak Elias from Love Music Hate Racism addressed crowds, highlighting the dangers of slipping back into the past where ‘racism meant attacks on ethnic minorities’ and of the hope it gave him to see how many people turned up.

Labour activist Jodi Dunne was next on the mic. SHe told supporters, "an ethical approach to foreign policy was needed to create a world where we could all live in peace."

Naomi Windbourne Indrissi of Jewish Voice For Labour spoke of the Second World War refugees in relation to today's situation and said it is essential to show the same togetherness in welcoming people in 2020.

Michael Szpakowski from Stand Up To Racism Harlow then led the attendees in a minute's silence in remembrance of refugees and asylum seekers that have lost their lives in and escaping conflicts raging across the world.

At the end of the event, food and clothes donated by those who attended was taken to the entrance of the hotel for the asylum seekers along with a card that was signed for those staying there in a show of solidarity and care.

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