Thousands of anti-racism protesters took to the streets in several English cities on Wednesday to oppose days of far-right violence that have had UK police on high alert.
Nightly riots — during which mosques and migrant-related facilities have been attacked — have erupted across towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland fueled by a wave of misinformation surrounding the murder of three children on July 29.
But on Wednesday evening, it was anti-racism and anti-fascist counter-protesters who were out in greater numbers, holding rallies in cities up and down England including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
Andy Valentine, the Met Police’s deputy assistant commissioner, thanked “communities for coming together across the capital and for showing community spirit this evening.”
In Birmingham, hundreds of anti-racism protesters gathered outside a migrant support center, while in Brighton, around 2,000 people took part in a peaceful demonstration, according to police.
There was some friction, however, as in the southern town of Aldershot, where the PA reported police had to intervene between anti-racism activists and a group of people shouting “Stop the boats” — a reference to migrants who reach Britain by crossing the English Channel.
The government had put 6,000 specialist police on standby to deal with the approximately 100 demonstrations by far-right activists and counter-protesters that were advertised.
‘Tip of the Iceberg’
Courts have started to order jail terms for offenders tied to the unrest as authorities seek to head off new troubles.
The disorder, Britain’s worst since the 2011 London riots, has seen almost 430 people arrested and at least 120 charged, and has led several countries to issue travel warnings for the UK.
The violence broke out after three girls aged nine, seven, and six were killed and five more children critically injured during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, northwest England.
The rioting that followed has seen demonstrators throw bricks and flares at police officers, burn cars, and attack mosques and at least two hotels that have been used for asylum seekers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned anyone involved will face “the full force of the law,” including those inciting violence online.
Scores of accused, including teenagers, have already appeared before judges.
On Wednesday, a man was jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting a police officer in Southport.
