Police have been granted extra stop-and-search powers to manage a planned protest outside a Birmingham hotel used to accommodate asylum seekers, following a series of ugly incidents at previous demonstrations.
Incidents Prompt Enhanced Police Authority
West Midlands Police confirmed that a number of demonstrations outside the Ramada Hotel on Penns Lane in Sutton Coldfield have escalated, resulting in racist abuse, physical assaults, and a report of a person seen with a bladed weapon. The hotel has been used by the Government to house asylum seekers since October 2021.
While authorities respect the right to protest, they stated that gatherings on previous Friday evenings have turned hostile. In response, officers will operate under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 from 5pm until 11pm on Friday, January 9.
Scope of the Section 60 Order
This enhanced authority grants police the right to stop and search individuals and vehicles in the designated area for weapons or dangerous instruments without needing specific suspicion. The zone covers Penns Lane and surrounding parkland near the hotel.
Additionally, under these powers, officers can require people to remove face coverings. The force emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further crime and disorder.
Police Reassure the Community
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Our focus is on keeping everyone in the area safe, which is why we are using these extra powers." They acknowledged the force's history of upholding protest rights while balancing the rights of others.
Sutton Coldfield Inspector Hayley Thompson added that there would be increased patrols and uniformed officers in the area to reassure the community. She encouraged anyone with concerns to speak directly to officers or contact the force via its website.
The implementation of these powers highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the use of the hotel for asylum accommodation, a move which initially caused disruption by cancelling pre-booked weddings when the contract began.
