Concerns over accommodation for asylum seekers have brought political division into the spotlight in parts of Wales
Steve Bagnall Breaking News editor
11:11, 19 Sep 2026
Wrexham Unite march through Wrexham
A growing debate over asylum seeker accommodation and public resources has brought political divisions sharply into focus across Wrexham and parts of Flintshire, following a series of public demonstrations and grassroot campaigns.
One of the most high profile of those leading the campaigns is “Wrexham Unite,” a controversial community-based movement.
It positions itself as expressing public concern over the housing of asylum seekers locally and the impact of migration on public services, housing, and the community. However critics see the group as espousing inflammatory rhetoric and stoking divisions. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Posts on the group’s Facebook page often refer to court convictions involving “illegal immigrants”, with one comment saying: “Stop the boats. Stop the hotels. Deport the lot.”
Wrexham Unite organised another protest in Wrexham on Saturday, August 29, and marched through the town. It was opposed by a counter-rally held by Wrexham Anti-Fascists, reports North Wales Live.
Ahead of the planned protest, a post on the Wrexham Unite Facebook page said: “This is our country. Uncontrolled illegal migration is a growing threat to the safety of our communities and our people.”
And during the Saturday protest, protesters chanted controversial slogans about asylum seekers, Islam and Palestine.
Flags, most notably the Union Jack, the St George’s Cross, and the Draig Goch – the Welsh Dragon – have increasingly become visual flashpoints in the UK, encapsulating a broader and often polarized debate over patriotism, nationalism, and identity.
Wrexham Unite has also coordinated high-visibility Welsh flag displays across the area. A post by the group said they were “proudly flying the Welsh flag with pride and standing up for our heritage, our community, and our nation”. There are many still flying across the area.
But counter-campaigners and local political figures have demanded the removal of the flags from city centre lampposts, instead arguing they were being used as a display of racism and intimidation.
Wrexham County Borough Council has said it will not proactively remove the flags unless they pose a direct road safety risk or physical obstruction.
Mudiad Eryr Wen, which describes itself as a “movement for the Welsh republican nationalist youth”, was also involved in the removal of England and Union flags this year, from lampposts near the Cae Ras stadium, where Wrexham AFC play their home games.
At the time a statement by the movement said: “These flags have absolutely nothing to do with Wales, and in actuality symbolise English supremacy in this country and elsewhere. It is an absolute embarrassment and a stain on the town to have them on display, especially just up the road from the Cae Ras.”
Anti-aslyum seeker protests by Wrexham Unite have also led some critics to warn of a potential “rise of the far right” in the region, amid claims extreme elements are attached to protests.
Opponents argue that anti-immigration campaigning risks marginalising vulnerable groups, and promoting nationalist ideology. Counter-protest groups, including Wrexham Anti-Fascists, look to oppose far-right populism, criticising Wrexham Unite.
North Wales Live has approached Wrexham Unite and the Wrexham Anti-Fascists for comment over their campaigns. They have not responded.
But beyond organised activist groups, there have also been demonstrations and concerns raised by members of local communities, who feel their everyday voices and anxieties are being overlooked, when it comes to the housing of asylum seekers.
These have included protests against proposals to locate immigrants in flats at The Ambrose Centre in Mold last year, with a reported capacity to accommodate up to 35 people; and the former Plas yn Rhos site in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, where the plans were eventually abandoned.
More recently, proposals to house asylum seekers at the Gronant Institute in Flintshire, sparked a huge backlash and national attention. The original proposal was for 13 out of the 15 properties to be used. Labour MP Becky Gittins said that has now been scaled back to a maximum of three properties to be used, accommodating no more than three families.
In a recent statement, she said: “The original approach was for 13 out of the 15 properties to be used. From the outset, I was clear that while our area should play its part in providing asylum accommodation, the scale of what was happening was not proportionate for a village the size of Gronant, with limited public transport and access to shops and services.”
Ms Gittins added she had asked the Home Office to reconsider saying: “There is nobody currently being accommodated at the site. If it is used for asylum accommodation in the future, a maximum of three properties will be used, accommodating no more than three families. The remaining properties will not be used for asylum accommodation.”
The rising political temperature has drawn strong reactions from political figures offering contrasting perspectives on the root causes of the unrest.
Sam Rowlands, Conservative Member of the Senedd for North Wales, said: “Recent public concerns and protests around immigration stem primarily from two key issues: growing frustration with an immigration system in need of fundamental reform, and broader questions regarding how current policies affect integration and social cohesion.
“An effective immigration system should welcome those who wish to work hard, integrate into British society, and contribute meaningfully to their local communities. It must also fulfil our humanitarian obligations by providing practical support to genuine refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, while honouring our historical commitments to those who have served the nation, such as the Gurkhas.
“However, the system must maintain firm boundaries to remain fair and sustainable. Understandable frustration arises when local public services – such as healthcare and housing – are already under severe pressure, and community facilities are rapidly repurposed to accommodate individuals awaiting status determinations.
“While managing overall numbers is critical, effective integration is equally essential. As a multi-racial nation, the UK succeeds when a strong core of shared British values and culture unites its diverse communities. A cohesive society requires a firm commitment to these common principles, rather than allowing parallel standards to develop.
“A clear example of where this balance has failed is seen in the handling of past grooming gang scandals. Evidence indicating that public bodies may have delayed or compromised investigations out of fear of damaging community relations represents a serious breakdown in governance. No community or group can ever be above the law, and upholding equal justice and protecting the vulnerable must always take absolute precedence.”
Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates MS pointed to political rhetoric as a driving factor behind the demonstrations, confirming he had contacted the local authority regarding the removal of unauthorised flags following representations from constituents.
Mr Skates said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that political rhetoric is influencing people – and that’s exactly what those responsible want. The recent Nation of Sanctuary debate in the Senedd was a perfect example of how this kind of discourse has penetrated our politics. Some politicians don’t let facts get in the way.
“The real concern is what this dangerous populism whips up in our communities and what impact the propaganda peddled by right-wing politicians in Westminster and the Senedd has on people across the UK, including Wrexham.”
Mr Skates added: “Division never has built nations, and scapegoats don’t fix public services.”
Plaid Cymru MS’s for Fflint Wrecsam, Marc Jones and Carrie Harper, also have serious concerns about recent protests.
A joint statement by the two said: “Immigration is not a devolved issue and is not controlled by the Senedd.
“However, there are issues and concerns mentioned that are devolved and have an impact on residents in Fflint Wrecsam. Recent protests have centred around anti-immigration sentiment and counter protest, rather than specifically raising issues such as local housing, healthcare and public service issues.”
They added: “Immigration protests in Wrexham have been small compared to those seen elsewhere, with many of those involved coming from further afield rather than locally. Some politicians are fully aware that what they say, and their rhetoric can empower and embolden right wing groups so it’s always important to call that out.”
Addressing the logistical and operational realities behind the debate, Wrexham County Borough Council highlighted the distinct responsibilities involved in managing local infrastructure versus national asylum policy.
A council spokesperson said: “Pressures on housing and demand for council services are challenges faced by local authorities across Wales and the UK and are not unique to Wrexham. Applications relating to HMO premises are considered through the council’s normal planning procedures.
“It’s important to clarify that the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers falls within the remit of the Home Office, rather than the council. The council does not hold specific data measuring the impact of asylum accommodation or wider migration on local services in Wrexham.
“Services across the council work to support the creation of safe and cohesive communities throughout Wrexham. This includes work through services, initiatives and community facilities such as Youth Services, Tŷ Pawb and The Hwb, which provide opportunities for people and communities to come together.
“In relation to street level displays, the council will take action where these pose a health and safety risk to the public or road users, or where they are otherwise considered unsafe. We recognise that this is an issue which has generated significant debate, while also exercising the importance of the Welsh flag to people across Wrexham and Wales.”
Looking at the wider perspective, regarding the ‘line’ in respect of the right to protest, Stephen Clear, a Constitutional Law academic at Bangor University said: “It is important to note that political extremism does not automatically equate to criminality.
“Legally speaking, ‘right-wing’ and ‘far-right’ are not interchangeable with ‘criminal’. A protest can involve far-right ideology while still containing legally protected expression. Equally, unlawful conduct by some individuals does not mean every participant shares the same ideology.
“The starting point is that the right to protest is a key feature of a democratic society. Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including political views that others may find provocative or objectionable. This applies to both protesters and counter-protesters. An anti-immigration message, or opposition to such a message, does not in itself remove that protection.
“However, neither right is absolute. Proportionate restrictions can be imposed where legally justified, including to protect public safety, prevent disorder or crime, or protect the rights of others. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 has strengthened some police powers in relation to protests, including provisions concerning face coverings, pyrotechnics, climbing specified memorials, around places of worship, and the cumulative impact of repeated protests.
“Ultimately, the legal question is not simply whether a protest is politically extreme or its message is offensive, but what people are actually doing. Violence, threats, intimidation, harassment and other criminal conduct are clearly different from protected political expression. The challenge for the police and courts is to intervene proportionately, without unnecessarily suppressing legitimate political dissent.”
Commenting on the policing of protests, Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst said: “North Wales Police is committed to facilitating lawful and peaceful protest while preventing crime and protecting public safety.
“Our approach to policing protests is guided by the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice and informed by Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance relating to offences committed during protests, demonstrations, and campaigns.
“Any suspected offences arising from protest activity are thoroughly investigated and treated seriously by North Wales Police.”
As demonstrations and counter-protests continue to feature across Wrexham and Flintshire, the region remains involved in a wider national conversation, balancing community concerns regarding the locating of asylum seekers and immigrants being housed in the local area, public service pressures, and concerns over political extremism.
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