DEVON’S leader has issued a call for the county to embrace unity amid recent protests outside an asylum hotel and elevated political tensions over the wider issue of immigration.

Julian Brazil, the Liberal Democrat leader of Devon County Council, told his cabinet that he wanted to speak “not just about policy, but about people”, as part of efforts to encourage cohesion among all residents in the county.

He said he wanted to talk about the “values that define us, not just in documents, but in our actions”.

Protests have occurred outside the Hampton by Hilton hotel, near Exeter airport, for the past six weeks, broadly split into two groups; those who have expressed welcome for the migrants, largely organised by Stand Up To Racism, and those who have concerns about the immigration system.

Cllr Brazil said he understood that people were “frustrated” given the strain many feel the country is experiencing, but urged residents to express their anger in different ways.

“The country is facing real challenges—rising costs, stretched public services, and a growing sense of disconnect,” he said.

“Our county faces cut upon cut by central government and a wholesale reorganisation [of this council], which will prove immensely costly and disruptive.

“But I want to be absolutely clear: to blame all our country’s and our county’s ills on a tiny minority of desperate people is not the answer. It’s not true, and it only serves to divide us.”

The comments came after a heated full council meeting earlier this month, whereby several Reform UK members walked out before a vote could be taken on a zero tolerance to hate crime motion.

Their exit had been preceded by Lib Dem member, Cllr Syed Jusef (Okehampton Rural) seeming to suggest that anyone who didn’t support the motion – which was approved – was racist. Cllr Jusef apologised for any upset, stating he had not meant to say the word ‘racist’, but instead to ask whether those who opposed the motion had ‘respect’.

Cllr Brazil did not directly acknowledge that incident, but stressed that Devon’s values should be about “tolerance and compassion”.

“There are children staying in that hotel,” he said.

“Children who have fled war, famine, and persecution. Many are terrified and confused. I urge anyone who wishes to protest to be mindful of their circumstances.

“These are not criminals. These are not people who arrived illegally on boats. They are some of the most vulnerable people in the world—many have been tortured, persecuted, and are now waiting in the asylum system.

“They have come here legally, seeking safety and a better life. Who among us wouldn’t do the same?”

He added that hate and discrimination had “no place in Devon”, and asserted that residents “must treat asylum seekers with the dignity and respect we would expect for ourselves”.

“We must be vigilant against those who seek to poison our communities with fear and division,” he added.

Cllr Brazil also expressed thanks via Councillor Michael Fife Cook (Yelverton Rural), the Reform UK leader on the council, for efforts by one of his colleagues who helped disperse protesters from the hotel on Saturday.

Cllr Ed Hill (Independent, Pinhoe and Mincinglake) and Cllr Angela Nash (Reform UK, Wonford & St Loyes) attended the protest on Saturday (6 September), and were able to enter the hotel and relay information from inside to protesters outside, which helped encourage those protesting to relocate to Cathedral Green in Exeter.

Cllr Brazil’s comments were endorsed by his cabinet colleagues, with Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin (Liberal Democrat, Torrington Rural) stating “kindness and compassion were vital”, especially given the “only thing that separates us and them is luck”.

She added that so many of the residents had provided donations to refugee children in 2016 who were being housed in Great Torrington after the so-called Jungle Camp in Calais was bulldozed by French authorities, that people had to be turned away.

“That kindness is the majority of people and it makes me sad to see protests outside the hotel as we need to remember that they are people in there,” she said.

“We need to make sure people of every background and culture can live peacefully in Devon without fear.”

Deputy leader Paul Arnott (Liberal Democrat, Seaton & Colyton) claimed this was a “moment where we turn a corner”.

“The people in the hotel are not who those online, divisive people who have been inciting the protests, are saying they are,” he said.

“Perhaps there is a rogue element of national parties encouraging attendance.

“But in terms of the local community around the hotel, they have given nothing but love, support and charity.”

“I hope we can draw a line under this now,” he said.