On Wednesday, thousands of police officers and anti-racism protesters took to the streets across Britain to counter expected far-right groups. However, these far-right groups did not materialize following a week of violent racist attacks against Muslims and migrants.
The recent riots began early last week after the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport, northwest England. The incident led to a surge of false online claims that the suspect was an Islamist migrant, fueling further unrest.
Online reports suggested that far-right protesters would target immigration centers, migrant support organizations, and law firms. This led many businesses to close early and some shops to board up their windows.
In response, thousands of police were deployed, and anti-racism protesters gathered in cities such as London, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Hastings. They carried banners with messages like “Fight racism,” “Stop the far right,” and “Will trade racists for refugees.”
The protestors included a mix of Muslims, anti-racist and anti-fascist groups, trade unionists, left-wing organizations, and concerned locals.
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By 9 p.m. (2000 GMT), no major disturbances were reported, though about 50 people in Croydon, south London, were involved in throwing bottles and causing minor disruptions.
Stetson Matthew, 64, a waste collector who joined the demonstration in Walthamstow, northeast London, emphasized the right to protest peacefully and expressed concern over the targeting of ethnic minorities.
Lucy, a 37-year-old flower grower from Hastings, southeast England, joined the counter-protest to show solidarity, noting that it was easier for her to participate as a white woman.
The riots last week involved groups of men clashing with police and vandalizing hotels housing asylum seekers, chanting slogans like “get them out” and “stop the boats,” referring to unauthorized arrivals in Britain.
Mosques were also targeted with rocks, prompting Muslim organizations to issue safety advice. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, dealing with his first major crisis since taking office, warned that rioters would face severe legal consequences.
On Wednesday, a 58-year-old man was sentenced to three years for violent disorder, while two others received sentences of 20 and 30 months. Starmer affirmed that the government is committed to holding those responsible accountable.
Migration was a key issue in the 2016 Brexit vote and recent elections. The UK saw record net migration levels in 2022, driven by arrivals from Ukraine, Hong Kong, and other sources. The far-right’s “stop the boats” slogan was also used by the Conservative Party before its recent electoral defeat.
In response to the violence, the government has mobilized a “standing army” of 6,000 specialist police officers. The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported over 120 charges and 428 arrests related to the disorder.
