Nigel Farage has spoken out following a protest outside a migrant hotel in Epping that turned violent, condemning “mindless thuggery” and blaming “bad eggs” for the disorder. The Reform UK leader said he “understood” the frustrations of local residents, after more than 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Bell Hotel on Sunday evening. The protest was reportedly sparked by the arrest of an asylum seeker accused of sexual assaults in the area.
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While Mr Farage acknowledged that some far-right individuals were present, he claimed most attendees were “genuinely concerned families” and pointed to anti-fascist group Antifa as also being involved. “There were the usual far-right thugs, but equally, what about Antifa?” he said. He questioned why masked individuals were allowed to attend demonstrations without being identified, accusing them of intimidating behaviour.
His comments came amid confirmation that controversial figure Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, intends to attend a further rally in Epping on 27 July. Farage warned that the UK was “close to civil disobedience on a vast scale”, accusing those in Westminster of being out of touch with public sentiment. “Do I understand how people in Epping feel? You bet your life I do,” he added.
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Essex Police confirmed six arrests following the protest, which escalated when bottles were thrown at police vehicles and smoke flares were set off. Protesters were seen holding signs such as “deport foreign criminals” and “defend our girls”, while officers had to intervene to protect a counter-protester from harassment. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow described the scenes as “disappointing”, and Downing Street reiterated that while peaceful protest is acceptable, violence against police is not.
