Lee Anderson has lashed out at what he called the “refugees welcome crowd” as he called for all migrants crossing the English Channel to be detained in a secure facility and claimed: “We’re importing rapists.” The Reform UK MP for Ashfield took to X on the day at least 20 demonstrations are understood to be planned by anti-migrant protesters up and down the UK, including in Bristol, Warwickshire and Norwich.

His remarks reflect rising concerns within the local community. In recent weeks, several high-profile cases have intensified public concern over asylum seekers and sexual offences in the UK.  In July 2025, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker staying at the Bell Hotel, was charged with multiple sexual assaults in Epping, Essex, just over a week after arriving in the UK via small boat. His trial is scheduled for August 26, 2025. The Bell Hotel, where he was apparently staying at the time, was the scene of large demonstrations on Friday night.

There were also demonstrations outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, where migrants have also been moved to.

Mr Anderson claimed, without providing evidence, that more than 150,000 "young undocumented males" had been "imported" into the UK in the last four years.

He continued: "They are coming from countries that show little respect for their own women and girls.

"Every time our Border Force picks up a boatload of illegals, how many of them have committed vile crimes in their own country?

"How many will go on to commit vile crimes in our country? And how many times will the authorities tell us not to publicise that alleged sex offenders are asylum seekers living in our communities?

"This is what is making people angry and more vocal then ever before."

Mr Anderson further questioned whether these young men were genuine asylum seekers, explaining: "They are economic migrants - as simple as that. Not all of them will go on to commit vile crimes but many will.

"One vile sex crime is one too many and is preventable. This is is why people are so vocal."

All migrant crossing the Channel should be detained until their deportation, Mr Anderson argued.

He said: "That's the only way our women and girls will feel safe on our streets.

"We are importing rapists and sex offenders and housing them in luxury.

"So to the 'Refugees Welcome' crowd - we always genuine refugees but we do not welcome these young undocumented men, many of whom go on to comitt crimes. I don't want them here.

"Lock them up on arrival, then deport. That's what we want."

Anti-migrant protesters and anti-racism counter-protesters are to gather in Nuneaton in Warwickshire on Saturday afternoon following allegations of a "cover-up" about suspects charged over an alleged rape.

A large turnout is expected after two men, reportedly Afghan asylum seekers, were charged by Warwickshire Police over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in the town.

Demonstrations are also expected in Bristol, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Leicester and Birmingham among others, according to Stand Up To Racism.