CAMPAIGNERS from Harlow joined an estimated 750 strong march in support of refugees in Epping on Sunday 27^th July. It was organised to show support for asylum seekers placed in the Bell Hotel who have been subject to intimidation and violence organised by the far right. 

A spokesperson said: ‘The march in support of refugees followed a campaign orchestrated, as the Evening Standard newspaper has shown, by the neo–Nazi Homeland Party to whip up race hatred against the Hotel residents after an individual was arrested for allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

“This far right campaign has seen violent attacks on the police and on staff working at the hotel”.

Speaking at the pro refugee gathering, historian and campaigner Louise Raw described how she had been a victim of rape and sexual assault as a child and that the far right had no real interest in the victims of it.  She explained that their only interest was in race hatred, and they were prepared to use victims to further their own ends. She explained how charity Hope not Hate had shown that indeed many far-right activists had been convicted of sexual offences themselves.

Stand up to Racism officer Sabby Dhalu said Reform UK had emboldened local far right protests. Local Reform Party vice chair and parliamentary election candidate Orla Minihane appeared alongside neo–Nazi Callum Barker outside the hotel on 17^th July, declaring herself ‘far right.’

Dhalu warned “Reform UK, nationally and locally, is supporting actions led by neo-Nazis targeting asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel in Epping.’’

Therefore, decent people ‘’must unite and continue to mobilise against the far right on the streets and at the ballot box.”