Thousands of anti-racism protesters gathered across England to form human shields around asylum centres, responding to fears of far-right unrest after the fatal stabbing of three girls in Merseyside. The protests were organized as a counter to over 100 far-right-led rallies expected to turn violent. However, the day saw minimal violence, with counter-protesters significantly outnumbering far-right demonstrators in multiple cities.
Police executed their largest mobilization since the 2011 riots, preparing for potential violence with 6,000 riot-trained officers deployed. Various businesses, including law firms and GP practices, closed early, and MPs were advised to work from home as 41 out of 43 local police forces in England and Wales braced for possible disorder. Immigration law firms and refugee centres were identified as potential targets by far-right groups on Telegram.
Despite these preparations, the day was largely peaceful, with thousands of counter-protesters taking to the streets in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, and London. In Liverpool, hundreds formed a human shield outside a church hosting an immigration advice centre, while similar scenes unfolded in other parts of London. In Brighton, far-right protesters were vastly outnumbered by counter-protesters, leading to a carnival-like atmosphere with music and singing.
Anti-Racism Protesters Form Human Shields Across England, Outnumbering Far-Right Demonstrators in Peaceful Standoff
In contrast, tensions did flare in Aldershot, Hampshire, where a group chanting anti-immigration slogans clashed with counter-protesters. Police intervened to prevent further conflict, and there were minor skirmishes reported in Blackpool. Arrests were made in Northampton and London, with 15 people detained in the capital for various offenses, including assaulting emergency workers and possessing weapons.
As the evening progressed, few far-right protesters were seen, with counter-protesters remaining vigilant. Despite initial fears of widespread violence, the counter-protesters effectively neutralized the threat, with police attributing the relatively peaceful outcome to the swift justice meted out to those involved in the previous week’s riots.
Law enforcement felt justified in their extensive preparations, citing intelligence that indicated a significant threat. However, a prominent anti-fascist activist suggested that the threat may have been exaggerated, with some targeting lists circulating online possibly being hoaxes designed to spread fear. Police expect the coming days to be quieter, though further protests are anticipated over the weekend.
Meanwhile, authorities are investigating potential terrorism-related activities connected to the unrest. This includes an attempt to set fire to a mosque and a hotel housing asylum seekers, both of which occurred shortly after the fatal stabbing in Southport. The involvement of counter-terrorism police underscores the severity of the situation, even as the immediate threat of widespread violence appears to have subsided.
Parts of England experienced effective shutdowns on the day of the protests, with shops boarded up in several towns and immigration tribunals abandoned due to fears of far-right attacks. The swift action by police, including hundreds of arrests and upcoming sentencing hearings, reflects a concerted effort to prevent further violence and maintain order in the wake of last week’s riots.
