Essex Police’s top officer, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, has firmly stated his intention to remain at his post, despite a wave of criticism surrounding the handling of demonstrations held outside a hotel accommodating migrants. Harrington did not take lightly the request made by Nigel Farage, the head of Reform UK, for his resignation. Addressing the media in a press event, Harrington made it clear, ‘No, I am not [resigning]. I am not going to do that. This is not about me; this is about the communities of Essex.’
Further explaining his stance, Harrington emphasised, ‘The issue is not about my resignation. The issue is about an effective police operation that keeps the communities of Epping safe.’ This is following a troubling incident at the Bell Hotel in Epping, involving protestors representing both sides of the migrant debate.
Essex Police was forced to admit that it had escorted some supporters of migrants to the hotel, reversing an earlier denial. The police had initially refuted claims that they played a part in bringing members of the ‘Stand Up to Racity’ activist group to the hotel. This was following accusations made by opposing protesters that the arrival of these counter-demonstrators ignited violence on July 17.
However, upon viewing video evidence of activists being chaperoned by police from a nearby station to the hotel, the police had to acknowledge their involvement. Despite this, Harrington was adamant in rejecting allegations that his officers had shown favoritism, providing a heightened level of protection to the pro-migrant demonstrators.
In his own words, Harrington asserted, ‘No, I don’t accept that.’ He went on to insist, ‘The only protection that officers have given is to those lawful and law-abiding people, whether they are in that accommodation, whether they are the people of Epping or whether they are people who are standing there… with placards and banners wishing to make a very important and legitimate view, whichever your views about it. Where officers have intervened, that is because there has been disorder.’
Harrington strongly emphasized the neutrality of the police’s actions, pointing out, ‘We are not being partial in any way, shape or form.’ He also tackled media claims that the police had directly facilitated transport to the protest site, denouncing the allegations as unfounded. ‘We have not driven anybody to that protest,’ Harrington affirmed. ‘People made their own way there… we did take people away for their safety and the safety of everyone there.’
The background context to the heated demonstrations centers around an asylum seeker named Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu. The 38-year-old was charged with sexual assault, accused of attempting to kiss a minor. These events set in motion a series of protests outside the Bell Hotel.
Looking to gather more evidence for ongoing inquiries, Essex Police turned to the expansive world of social media. Chief constable Harrington disclosed that the police were diligently sifting through online footage of the protests. The goal is to aid their investigations and possibly identify additional offences.
Harrington took the opportunity to urge restraint and responsible speech when addressing the contentious events. ‘If there are people looking to incite, we will gather the evidence and take action,’ the Chief Constable stated. He emphasized the right to free speech, but stressed the need for ‘responsible commentary’ on matters of public concern.
Adding further, Harrington made clear, ‘It is not for me to silence or to try and mute any legitimate voice, elected or otherwise. That is not the policing space.’ His comments come as he strives to reassure worried Essex residents, especially in light of potential further demonstrations outside the hotel in Epping.
When asked about his message for anxious parents amidst the tension, Harrington confidently assured, ‘I say to those parents we will have a robust policing operation. Essex is safe. You will have hundreds of officers on duty.’ Such assurance follows a wave of demonstrations outside the hotel in question, sparked by the accusations against asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu.
Kebatu, 38 years old, was confronted with the serious charge of sexual assault after he was allegedly involved in an incident wherein he is accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. This incident catalyzed a number of protests, escalating tensions in the community.
Kebatu, who vehemently denied the charge when he was presented before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, has since become a central figure in the tension. The very mention of his name has been the cause of increased demonstrations outside the Bell Hotel, led by both sides of the debate.
According to statements made by Essex Police, while the protests began in a peaceful manner, they ‘escalated to the point of disorder and criminal damage’, hence, the police operation. Amidst this complex situation, Harrington remains committed to his role, countering critics with an unwavering dedication to maintaining order within his community.
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