The Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has denied Nigel Farage’s claims that the police “bussed” in pro-migrant protesters at a hotel in Epping.
The Reform UK leader has called on Harrington to resign from his position on Wednesday morning.
During a press conference Harrington was asked about him resigning, he said, “The issue is not about my resignation. It is about the people of Epping.
“It is not for Essex Police to make a judgement about asylum or immigration policy. That is for Government. It is for Essex Police and the police more generally to make sure that people can go about their rights and business lawfully.”
He was then asked will he resign over the incident, he said, “The issue is about effective police operation that keeps the communities of Epping safe.”
When the Chief constable of Essex Police, Ben-Julian Harrington, was asked about two-tier policing being applied, he responded with absolute nonsense.
No apology.
No resignation.
Just more gaslighting.I agree with Nigel Farage, his position is untenable. He must go. pic.twitter.com/XE8JCQbLqA
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) July 23, 2025
On Wednesday morning, Farage wrote on X, “This video proves @EssexPoliceUK transported left-wing protesters to The Bell Hotel in Epping.
“There is no way Chief Constable BJ Harrington can stay in position.”
A video was shown of people in a police van and Farage said that Essex Police had “bussed” the pro-migrants to protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping.
🔥@EssexPoliceUK let’s see you explain WHY you were transporting LEFTWING STINKY activists from Epping train station to the Bell Hotel and then back again in police vehicles?! pic.twitter.com/azjCg19avt
— Pippa B 🇬🇧🏴 🚜 ❤️ 🇮🇱 (@pippaisright) July 18, 2025
When asked did Essex Police provide preferential treatment, he said, “No, I don’t accept that.
“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…We are not being partial in any way, shape or form.”
This video proves @EssexPoliceUK transported left-wing protestors to The Bell hotel in Epping.
We demand Resignations of senior officers in charge of this incredible lack of judgement and bias.
Essex police have shamed themselves, but also the institution they serve. pic.twitter.com/Dyfzp57Dan
— Benonwine (@benonwine) July 23, 2025
He also insisted, “Officers did provide a foot cordon around protesters on their way to the protest, where they and others were allowed to exercise their right to protest.
“Later some people who were clearly at risk of being hurt were also escorted by vehicle away from the area for their safety.
“To reiterate, we categorically did not drive any counter protesters to the site on any occasion.”
Reporters asked Harrington what does he have to say to parents who are concerned about riots breaking out, “I say to those parents we will have a robust policing operation. Essex is safe. You will have hundreds of officers on duty.”
