Labour condemns Robert Jenrick’s visit to rally attended by far-right activist

Jenrick visits the protest outside the Bell hotel in Epping. The far-right activist Eddy Butler, wearing sunglasses, is standing at the edge of the picture. Photograph: @RobertJenrick/X

Robert Jenrick has been severely criticised by Labour after the shadow justice secretary was pictured at an anti-asylum rally in Essex attended by a veteran far-right activist.

Jenrick posted photos on X showing himself visiting the protest outside the Bell hotel in Epping, where police have been attacked and police vehicles vandalised by groups of men taking part in the demonstration. The MP met protesters including a woman with a T-shirt bearing the message: “Send them home.”