Dozens of protesters have gathered outside a hostel to stop asylum seekers being moved to the Bibby Stockholm barge. An estimated 50 activists are gathered outside Driscoll House on Friday morning (May 10). The hostel on New Kent Road has been used to house asylum seekers for years.
Roughly five police vans are in attendance according to MyLondon reporter at the scene with more protestors gathering. The Bibby Stockholm barge is moored in Portland, Dorset and is being used as offshore accommodation for asylum seekers while their claims are processed.
Protests similar to this have been happening all over the capital with many protesters being arrested and charged with criminal offences. During another protest at a Peckham hotel, 45 people were arrested and several police officers were allegedly attacked by by people with face coverings.
They were seen to be linking arms and blocking the highway chanting “no borders, no nations, stop deportations”, “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”, and “when refugees are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back”. Three people were charged with obstruction of the highway at the previous protest.
Follow our live updates from the protest below.
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13:22Jake Holden
Asylum seeker speculates that protestors could have missed the bus
An Afghan asylum seeker told our reporter at the scene that a minibus came to take people away at about 5am or 6am this morning. Protestors only showed up at Driscoll House from about 7.30am so there is a chance that they have actually missed the bus.
13:19Key Event
Police statement
The Met Police has provided a statement about the protest ongoing at Driscoll House and confirmed no arrests have yet been made.
It read:
Officers are remaining at a protest in New Kent Road, SE1. No arrests have been made.”
11:18Jake Holden
Blockade has started
The blockade of the transport of asylum seekers from the Driscoll Hostel to the Bibby Stockholm barge has begun, according to the Southwark & Lambeth Anti-Raids post on X. However our reporter at the scene says that nothing really has changed and these people are still hanging around waiting for a move to be made.
10:19Jake Holden
Police presence has eased as more protestors gather
According to our reporter at the scene, the police have all cleared the scene at the moment. In the meantime more and more protestors are joining, awaiting the expected removal attempt from Driscoll House. While they wait they are sitting on the grass in the nearby park
10:13Jake Holden
Activist group says they will stay until the removal is cancelled
The activist group behind the protests has said it will stay until the removal of the asylum seekers is cancelled in a post on X. Southwark & Lambeth Anti Raids has claimed that residents inside Driscoll House Hotel are being told the removal is happening and that demonstrators will not leave until this has been cancelled. They have called for other activists to be on standby for when the removal is attempted.
10:09Jake Holden
Photos from the scene
Photos taken by MyLondon Local Democracy Reporter Robert Firth show protestors slowly gathering outside the hostel on the pavement. Five police vans are dotted in the local area on side streets as well as one outside the hostel at the front.
09:54Jake Holden
Where is it happening?
The protest is happening at Driscoll House, a hostel in Peckham which has been used to house asylum seekers for years. The hostel is located on New Kent Road and it is planned that asylum seekers will be transported from their accommodation at the hostel to the Bibby Stockholm barge moored in Portland, Dorset.
09:51Jake Holden
Welcome to our live coverage
Welcome to our live coverage of the protest at Driscoll House in Peckham where demonstrators are trying to stop asylum seekers from being transported to the Bibby Stockholm barge. Here is what we know so far:
- About 50 protestors have gathered at the hostel so far
- Five police vans have been spotted at the scene
- 45 protestors were arrested at a previous similar Peckham protest on May 3
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.