London protesters thwart coach transporting asylum seekers to Bibby Stockholm

Dozens of protesters surrounded the coach, preventing it from picking up passengers, while hundreds later joined the scene, amplifying the resistance. Scheduled to collect asylum seekers from a Best Western hotel in Peckham, the coach encountered resistance upon its arrival at a bus stop around 8 am. Activists and locals congregated, expressing concerns about the destination’s conditions and showing solidarity with the affected individuals, including teenagers attending local colleges.

Amidst fears about the circumstances awaiting them on the Bibby Stockholm, where a previous incident of suspected suicide occurred, residents voiced their apprehensions. The protest gained momentum as police attempted to intervene, warning of potential arrests.

This demonstration coincided with denunciations from Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s outgoing first minister, who condemned the Home Office’s enforcement actions as “inhumane” and “cruel.” Yousaf urged the UK government to reconsider its policy, emphasizing the vulnerability of asylum seekers.

Kojo Kyerewaa, representing Black Lives Matter, revealed that the protest was organized following a week’s notice given to the asylum seekers. Inspired by a similar action in Margate, the demonstrators aimed to prevent the forced relocation and draw attention to the Bibby Stockholm’s hazardous conditions.

The event marks a significant protest in London, reminiscent of similar actions in 2022. Organizers, including Black Lives Matter and local anti-raids networks, collaborated with community members, highlighting the grassroots nature of the resistance.

The Home Office characterized the visit as a “relocation” rather than an “immigration enforcement visit,” emphasizing accommodation allocation based on a no-choice basis. They assured that representations against unsuitable relocations would be duly considered.

As discussions unfold in the Chamber of Deputies regarding state budgets and immigration policies, the Peckham protest underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and humane treatment of asylum seekers.