Labour blasts Robert Jenrick for attending Epping migrant protest while branding demonstrators 'far-right'

Robert Jenrick joins anti-migrant protests in Epping |

GB NEWS

Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 19/08/2025

- 18:45

Protests in Epping have led to the council winning its bid to block asylum seekers from being housed at the migrant hotel

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has been called a "disgrace" after he attended a migrant hotel protest in Epping over the weekend.

Labour accused Mr Jenrick of attending a demonstration organised by the "far-right", citing the attendance of Eddy Butler, who founded the banned neo-Nazi terror group Combat 18.


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“Robert Jenrick is a disgrace," a Labour Party spokesman said.

"Standing alongside someone with a long history of involvement with neo-Nazi terror groups, at a protest organised by a far-right party, shows just how far he and the Tories have sunk."

Robert Jenrick

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has been called a 'disgrace' after he attended a migrant hotel protest in Epping over the weekend

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PA


They added: "Jenrick once proudly boasted about ramping up the procurement of asylum hotels when he was immigration minister. It shows, at best, a staggering lack of judgment.

"Kemi Badenoch must show some leadership, explain what action she’s going to take against her shadow justice secretary, and demonstrate that she is strong enough to stand up against this challenge to her authority and to basic decency."

However, a source close to Mr Jenrick dismissed Labour's attack.

The ally said: "No idea who this guy is and Rob didn’t speak to him. Rob just spoke with peaceful protesters."

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Epping protestPICTURED: Protesters take to the streets in Epping in their continued demonstration against the hotel | PA

Following his appearance at the Epping protest on Sunday, Mr Jenrick said: "Great to be with peaceful, patriotic protesters in Epping today.

"People are right to be fed up of illegal migration. And the crime and billions being wasted because of it."

Blasting Sir Keir Starmer, the Shadow Justice Secretary added: "Starmer should get out of Westminster, listen to people’s concerns, and act to keep us safe."

Lewis Nielsen, a spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism, which has been organising counter-protests in Epping, said Jenrick was willing to go on protests attended by far-right activists, adding: "Jenrick is fanning the flames of the far right by chasing Reform UK votes and he’s giving confidence to known fascists.”

Epping verdict

Protests in Epping have led to the council winning its bid to block asylum seekers from being housed at the migrant hotel

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PA

Protests in Epping have led to the council winning its bid to block asylum seekers from being housed at the migrant hotel, with those staying at the accommodation to be removed in the next few weeks.

Epping Forest District Council had asked a High Court judge to issue an interim injunction to stop migrants from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.

The successful injunction means the hotel’s owner, Somani Hotels Limited, has to stop housing asylum seekers there within 14 days.

The hotel has been at the centre of the series of protests in recent weeks after an asylum seeker, staying at the accommodation, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

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