Calls for tighter border control as protestors target County Hotel and proposed mosque
What happened?
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, thousands of residents marched through Skegness, England, in protest of the government’s use of local hotels to house asylum seekers. Organizers estimate over 10,000 people joined the demonstration, waving Union Jacks and St George’s flags as they marched from the town’s railway station to the seafront County Hotel.
The protest comes amid nationwide unrest over migration policy and follows a recent judicial ruling revoking a ban on migrant housing at a protest-hit hotel in Epping. However, Saturday’s Skegness demonstration had been planned prior to the decision.
The focus of the protest
The County Hotel, which has been used by the Home Office to accommodate asylum seekers since 2022, was the primary focal point. Protestors also raised objections to a proposed mosque on Roman Bank, voicing concerns about cultural and community changes.
Crowds described the atmosphere as almost “carnival-like,” though tensions flared when counter-protestors shouted at marchers outside the County Hotel. Lincolnshire Police deployed around 100 officers on foot and in vans to monitor the event, successfully preventing major clashes.
Voices from the march
Steve Dand, the event’s organizer and a former Skegness resident, described himself as an “active patriot.” Speaking to Lincolnshire World, he said:
“The country has had enough of this ‘invasion’ and it raises the subject of why can they get homed in luxury hotels at our expense when we have our own homeless that need a place to stay, including veterans that put their lives on the line for their country.”
Local resident Barry Robinson, who followed the march, estimated around 500 core protestors, noting the turnout was significantly larger than previous rallies.
Wider reaction and national debate
The Skegness protest adds to mounting national tensions over migration policy. Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage and other political figures have amplified calls for stricter border controls, deportations, and prioritization of British citizens in housing.
Social media also played a major role, with videos and images of the demonstration circulating widely and sparking fierce debate on asylum housing and community impact.
Police response
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that, despite some disruption, the event remained peaceful. Officers said they had worked closely with organizers to minimize risks and ensure safety for all involved.Over 10,000 people marched in Skegness against migrant housing in local hotels and a proposed mosque, demanding stricter border controls.
