Thousands of Anti-Racism Protesters March Across the UK to Rally Against the Far-Right
Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators took to the streets across England, forming human shields to protect asylum centers amid concerns of unrest from far-right rallies.
The large-scale counter-protests followed the fatal stabbing of three girls in Merseyside and the subsequent riots, which had heightened tensions nationwide.
In response to warnings of potential violence from over 100 far-right-led gatherings, police launched their largest mobilization since the 2011 riots, deploying 6,000 riot-trained officers across the country.
Authorities had braced for significant disorder, with businesses and MPs taking precautionary measures, such as closing early or working remotely.
Despite the heavy police presence and widespread fears, the anticipated far-right protests saw low turnouts, while counter-demonstrators significantly outnumbered them in cities like Liverpool, London, Birmingham, and Brighton.
In Liverpool, hundreds of protesters formed a human shield outside a church that hosts an immigration advice center, with women holding banners declaring “Nans against Nazis.”
Similar scenes unfolded in London, where local residents and anti-fascist activists rallied in Hackney, Walthamstow, and Finchley, bearing posters reading “we are one human race” and “unite against hate.”
In Brighton, a small group of anti-immigration protesters was surrounded by police for their protection as about 500 counter-protesters chanted slogans like “Off our streets, Nazi scum.” The event later took on a festive atmosphere with a samba band and loud singing.
While some tensions flared in Aldershot and Blackpool, where opposing groups clashed, the evening passed with minimal violence. The Metropolitan Police reported 15 arrests in London for anti-social behavior and public order offenses, while other arrests were made in Northampton.
The strong showing from counter-protesters, combined with swift police action, was credited with preventing the far-right rallies from gaining momentum, avoiding the widespread disorder that many had feared.
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