“I can’t take responsibility for authoritarian regimes around the world. But I can ensure the safety of women and girls on our streets,” he asserted.

Farage’s plan echoes Australia’s ‘stop the boats’ policy

If that failed, asylum seekers could be held on Ascension Island, a British territory in the South Atlantic, to send a symbolic message, Farage said.

Individuals participate in a counter-demonstration to a Stand Up To Racism rally outside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Horley, Surrey. Source: EPA / Gareth Fuller

Farage’s plan echoes Australia’s offshore processing system, which has been heavily criticised by human rights advocates.

Individuals suspected of attempting to enter Australia are generally either intercepted and turned back or placed in offshore detention facilities in locations like Nauru and Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island.

Protesters clash with UK police over asylum seeker hotels

In Bristol, mounted police were brought in to separate rival groups in the Castle Park, with officers scuffling with protesters.

People demonstrating at an Abolish Asylum System protest outside the Radisson Hotel in Perth, Scotland. Source: PA / Jane Barlow

A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

In Horley, approximately 200 anti-immigration demonstrators adorned with St George and Union flags confronted around 50 Stand Up to Racism protestors on Bonehurst Road.

Anti-racism activists display placards while marching towards St Mary Cray station from the TLK Apartments Hotel housing asylum seekers during a demonstration against the far-right in Orpington, Britain. Source: EPA / Tolga Akmen

The anti-racism protesters chanted, “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”

The ‘Stand Up to Racism’ protestors were guided into a smaller area as they continued to chant “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here”, which received the retort “No, they’re f***** not” from the opposing side of the street.

Other local councils also publicly announced their intention to seek legal advice as to whether they could achieve a similar injunction for hotels in their areas.

‘Unacceptable’ delays causing massive backlogs

The government plans to set up a new independent panel focused on asylum appeals to help reduce the backlog, as first reported by the Sunday Times.