Hotel protests 'must not be used to have a pop at police'

PROTESTS outside hotels housing asylum seekers must not be used to “have a pop at the police”, the border security minister has warned.

- Dame Angela Eagle

Dame Angela Eagle promised that the Government was “doing the detailed work” to crack down on small boat crossings, after the Home Office unveiled its plan to pump an extra £100 million into tackling people smuggling.

Some of the money will support the “one in, one out” returns agreement pilot with France, and some will go towards funding extended police powers to seize digital devices.

Protesters have gathered outside hotels over recent weeks throughout the country, including in London, Newcastle and Epping in Essex, calling for their closure.