Police and Council aware of planned protest on Saturday.

Gloucester City Council is aware of planned protests scheduled to take place during the day on Saturday outside a hotel on the outskirts of the city which is currently housing asylum seekers placed by the Home Office.

The Council recognises the right to peaceful protest, but strongly condemns any actions or rhetoric that incite division, fear, or hostility within our communities. Gloucester is proud of its long-standing commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive city, and we remain steadfast in our approach.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said:
“We understand that immigration and housing are complex issues that evoke strong feelings. However, we must ensure that public discourse remains respectful and rooted in facts. The safety and dignity of all Gloucester residents — including asylum seekers — is paramount. We will not tolerate intimidation or hate speech in our city.”

The Council is working closely with Gloucestershire Constabulary and our partners to ensure public safety throughout the planned demonstration.

Gloucester City Council continues to advocate for long-term, sustainable housing solutions and is actively engaged with national partners to reduce reliance on hotel accommodation.

We urge all residents to approach these sensitive issues with compassion and a commitment to community cohesion.