.svg)
Canary Wharf, once a proud emblem of London’s financial success and reinvention under Margaret Thatcher, is now being viewed by critics as a symbol of the capital’s broader decline.
The iconic financial district is at the center of a growing political controversy after it was revealed that the Home Office plans to house asylum seekers at the Britannia International Hotel. The news triggered backlash from campaigners, who labeled the area a “dumping ground” for migrants, further fueling concerns about London’s changing identity and economic struggles.
This development comes on the heels of a notable exodus of wealthy residents, spurred by Labour’s increased taxation and a broader decline in demand for premium office space—an issue worsened by the rise of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have pointed the finger at Labour leadership, particularly London Mayor Sadiq Khan and party leader Sir Keir Starmer, for failing to maintain the city’s status and stability.
Susan Hall, a Conservative Assembly member and former mayoral candidate, lamented that migrants were now being placed in one of the capital’s most prestigious financial zones. She argued that the move underscores London’s deterioration under Labour's rule. Hall claimed that “tax raids” have driven away both investors and business leaders and said that Canary Wharf should remain a symbol of financial strength—not what she described as a consequence of failed immigration policies.
The Britannia Hotel, which advertises “superb views over the London skyline” and boasts a central location near JP Morgan and One Canada Square, is now at the heart of the controversy. Protestors gathered outside the hotel on Tuesday in response to inaccurate claims that asylum seekers were being transferred from Epping to the site. The Home Office later corrected the reports, stating that this was not the case. However, Tower Hamlets Council confirmed that the hotel is indeed being repurposed to temporarily house asylum seekers.
On Wednesday, workers were seen moving beds and mattresses into the building—another indication of how much Canary Wharf has changed. Once a thriving hub that showcased London’s global ambitions, the area has faced increasing challenges. In recent years, almost £200 million has been wiped off the value of its office properties due to the lingering effects of remote working.
According to the property analytics firm CoStar, April saw a record high in office vacancies in the district. Meanwhile, London overall is grappling with the departure of high-net-worth individuals. A report by New World Wealth and Henley & Partners revealed that 30,000 millionaires left the capital over the past decade, a rate comparable to Moscow, driven largely by the crackdown on non-domiciled tax statuses and other rising levies.
Tuesday’s protest outside the Canary Wharf hotel follows a series of demonstrations in Epping, Essex, related to the case of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu—a 38-year-old asylum seeker from Ethiopia charged with the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. Kebatu has pleaded not guilty to the charge in Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
Although the rumors about migrants being moved from Epping were false, Susan Hall stated that the anger expressed by protestors reflected a broader discontent with how immigration is being managed. She criticized Labour for ignoring the voices of local residents and making key decisions without proper consultation.
Reform UK Assembly member Alex Wilson also condemned the decision, claiming it would worsen existing problems in Canary Wharf. While housing decisions ultimately rest with the Home Office and not the mayor, Wilson insisted the move reflects the overall decline of London under Labour leadership, pointing to rising crime as further evidence.
Recent crime data supports concerns: robbery and theft have increased dramatically, with over 70,000 mobile phones reported stolen in 2024—up from more than 52,000 in 2023. Shoplifting surged by more than 50%, outpacing growth in any other region. Non-violent thefts, such as pickpocketing, were also up by 41%.
Wilson slammed the high cost of using hotels like the Britannia to house asylum seekers—rooms there typically cost hundreds of pounds per night. He argued that such expenditures are unacceptable at a time when 1.3 million people in the UK are on housing waiting lists. “Reform UK,” he said, “would deport those who have no legal right to remain, stop the boats, and shut down these costly hotel schemes.”
Wilson concluded by warning that allowing "hundreds of unvetted men" into the heart of the city’s business district risks worsening the economic situation in both London and the nation as a whole, blaming Labour for the current state of affairs.
Britannia Hotels have long been used for migrant accommodation, and the company has consistently ranked poorly in customer satisfaction surveys, including being named the UK’s worst hotel chain by consumer watchdog Which?
