‘It is important we show that Northamptonshire is not a place of hate’
Anti-migrant protestors outside the MK Hotel in Deanshanger were met with a counter protest today
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By Sarah Ward
Counter protestors came out to support asylum seekers at a Deanshanger hotel who were targeted by an anti-migration gathering this afternoon.
The event passed off peacefully as Northants Police sent 50 officers down to the protest, which was one of a number expected to happen today, as tension mounts across the country.
NN Journal was present along with right wing national broadcaster GB News, which was broadcasting live.
The hotel off the A422, is one of three in Northants accommodating people seeking asylum. Yesterday the Reform UK leader of West Northamptonshire Council Mark Arnull said the authority would continue with plans to legally change the use of the hotels, which he says are not suitable for asylum seeker accommodation.






The counter protest was organised by resident Louise, after anti migrant rouser Conor Sadler posted on TikTok urging people to gather to protest outside the hotel.
Speaking from the protest line Louise said:
“It is brilliant and really heartwarming that so many people from the local community have turned to express their welcome to the asylum seekers. We wanted to demonstrate tolerance.
“I live just five minutes down the road and my children attend the local secondary school which is vibrant and diverse. 29 different languages are spoken there.
“I don't want to grow up in a society where the Union flag is used in this way. He (Conor Sadler) is causing a lot of trouble in our area and he is not welcome. They (the hotel residents) are welcome!”
She said the asylum seekers have been integrating with the community, joining sports clubs and local facilities.
Conor Sadler, from Milton Keynes, used a mega phone throughout the demonstration, denouncing the government and accusing the counter protestors of being ‘middle class’ and paid to attend. He referenced the world wars, Agincourt and told his supporters that the safety and freedoms of the country were under threat.
Throughout the anti-migrant crowd shouted about PM Keir Starmer and taunted the counter protestors.
Unite branch officer Paul Draper from Northampton went along to support the asylum seekers.
He said:
“I believe in showing solidarity to those fleeing war and famine. It is important we show that Northamptonshire is not a place of hate but a place of compassion and a safe haven. I am proud to be here today.”
John, a former teacher from Northampton, said:
“I am as worried as anyone else might be about Nigel Farage gaining power. I object strongly to the poisonous atmosphere growing in the country, which is led by the likes of Farage and the Daily Mail.
“I’m here to oppose his plans for this country, which involves not only sending refugees back, but taking away our rights as well.”
Nic Speed, a local Amnesty International activist said:
“I think it is important to stand up for people who have experienced hardship. The elements of the far right are misinformed. Too many people in positions of power are using divisive language and inflaming the situation.”


Police said 50 officers were in attendance and no arrests were made. NN Journal did witness two men being asked to leave the area.
Det Chief Supt Rich Tompkins, who led the police operation, said:
“This was a well-planned operation with specially trained officers deployed. The aim was to ensure a peaceful protest was able to take place while also protecting those people housed within the hotel. There was some vocal protest on both sides but it remained peaceful throughout.
“We would like to thank partner organisations who assisted in the run-up to this operation, including the community in Deanshanger, particularly a number of businesses in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.”
Thank you for attending and reporting that our county can and should be about compassion not hate . We need local journalists on the ground .. especially after reading how local reporting is being repressed in Nottinghamshire .
My wife and I joined the counter-protest today. It was good to see the community standing up to those racist bullies. If you are not empathy-impaired I encourage you to try a thought experiment. Imagine the trauma of cowering in a hotel surrounded by angry racists! I struggle to imagine how discouraging it must be to flee persecution in your homeland, only to face it here too. Blaming migrants is a clever tactic by the billionaires who cause the problems in our country. It's not immigrants who are raising rents by buying up all the houses, suppressing the wages and bribing the politicians to tax the working class into becoming the working poor. It's the tax-dodgers in the luxury yachts that are the problem, not the poor people arriving in small boats. Sadly, the gullible are easily conned into blaming the wrong people.