Patriotic Alternative rally outside Chichester Hotel

Patriotic Alternative have been posting leaflets through letterboxes across Rayleigh, Wickford and the surrounding areas.

Images posted by the group on Telegram on Sunday show its supporters holding a banner outside the hotel, saying “End the invasion stop immigration.”  

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The hotel is reportedly set to house asylum-seekers on behalf of the Home Office, with Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois labelling the proposals “misguided” in Parliament last week.

However, so far the owners have refused to comment on the reports, despite a raft of last-minute cancellations of weddings and events.

“I can assure you we, and the residents, are not happy with this group. Residents I have spoken to have been disgusted with what they are doing,” councillor Jim Stanley, leader of Rochford’s Liberal Democrat group, said.

“Yes, we do need somewhere for the asylum seekers to be, and there needs to be a happy balance found with residents, but there is no need for this aggravation from people outside of the area.”

The group has named the three Downhall and Rawreth ward councillors – Jim Cripps, James Newport, and Mr Stanley – on the leaflet, listing their phone numbers and email addresses.

“We have not spoken to them, did not give permission, and what no association with them,” Mr Stanley explained.

Patriotic Alternative has held similar protests at hotels and properties across the country housing asylum seekers, claiming they are “illegal”.

An asylum seeker is someone seeking international protection from dangers in their home country, but whose claim for refugee status has not been determined legally. It is not illegal to seek asylum, because seeking asylum is a legal process.

Asylum seekers must apply for protection in the country of destination—meaning they must arrive at or cross a border to apply.

Rochford Council has previously confirmed Home Office contact over plans to use the hotel for asylum-seekers.

A council spokesman said: “This project will provide initial accommodation while destitute asylum claimants have their Asylum Support application considered. If the application is successful, then they are moved on to dispersal accommodation.”

A Patriotic Alternative spokesman confirmed the protests had taken place, and took aim at the Home Office's "lack of transparency" over the plans.