Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets of England on Wednesday to counter the far-right violence that has been escalating across the country. Up to 25,000 protesters gathered in towns and cities like Walthamstow, Finchley, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Blackpool, chanting slogans like “hate not welcome” and “refugees welcome here”. They opposed the far-right and activists like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.
The police were prepared for potential violence as online posts suggested that the far right might target immigration services. Nearly 100 far-right rallies did not happen as expected, but counter-demonstrations were anticipated. The publication of targets for disorder was warned against by the Director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, as it could be considered a terrorism offense.
In Birmingham, no arrests were made despite reports of a planned anti-immigration protest. Counter-protesters gathered outside an immigration advice center in the city, displaying banners opposing Tommy Robinson and Islamophobia. The protests remained peaceful, with no disorder reported.
Former head of counter-terrorism, Neil Basu, stated that the worst far-right violence during the riots should be treated as terrorism. He condemned the racially motivated attacks, such as the attempt to set asylum seeker accommodations on fire in Rotherham. He described it as a modern-day lynching and called for strong action against such violence.
In response to the riots, the police are actively pursuing individuals involved in disorder. Detectives in Merseyside are seeking information on 14 individuals who may have been involved in incidents of disorder. They have already made arrests and charges, emphasizing that anyone engaging in violence, racism, or hatred will face consequences.
The riots have sparked fear and concern among the public, with actor Will Mellor sharing his daughter’s fear of going out due to the unrest. He highlighted the need for unity and emphasized that the actions of a few should not define entire communities. Survivors and witnesses of the riots have also spoken out, denouncing the violence and calling for peace.
Overall, despite the threat of further violent disorder, peaceful protests and counter-demonstrations have dominated the streets of England. The unity and resilience of communities against hate and racism have been evident, with a strong message of standing together against violence and division. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the riots, the focus remains on justice, accountability, and coming together to rebuild trust and safety in society.
