Roome Mishra
Thousands of Anti racism protesters have come to protect asylum centers across England from rallies led by far right extremists. This happened after the police had warned of unrest from more than 100 far right-led rallies.
On Wednesday, police launched their largest mobilization since the 2011 riots to address potential unrest, citing concerns that many of the planned gatherings could escalate into violence.
Anti racism protesters protect asylums from far right led rallies
Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators assembled across England, forming human shields around asylum centers after police cautioned about potential disturbances from over 100 far-right-led rallies.
Carrying signs that read “refugees welcome” and “reject racism, try therapy,” people took to the streets in various towns and cities. This occurred nine days after the country was rocked by the fatal stabbing of three girls in Merseyside and the subsequent riots. However, there was minimal evidence of the unrest seen in recent days.
With 41 of the 43 local police force areas in England and Wales preparing for possible unrest, lawyers’ offices closed, high street shops were boarded up, GP practices shut early, and MPs were advised to consider remote work.
Approximately 6,000 riot-trained officers were deployed to manage anticipated rallies and around 30 counter-protests after far-right groups on Telegram identified immigration law firms and refugee centers as potential targets.
Contrary to expectations, thousands of counter-protesters rallied in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, and London to protect these communities from the protests.
“Nans against Nazis” in Liverpool
In Liverpool, hundreds formed a human shield outside a church hosting an immigration advice center, with women carrying “Nans against Nazis” banners.
Similar scenes unfolded in Hackney, Walthamstow, and Finchley, where anti-fascist activists held placards like “we are one human race.”
In Brighton, police protected a small group of anti-immigration protesters from being outnumbered by about 500 counter-protesters, who later enjoyed a street carnival with samba music and chanting.
Police arrests 3 people in Northamptonshire
In Hampshire’s Aldershot, violence broke out between a “stop the boats” faction and “stand up to racism” demonstrators, leading to police intervention.
Similar incidents occurred in Blackpool. Northamptonshire police arrested three individuals for public order offenses, with no injuries reported.
In London, the Metropolitan Police arrested 15 people, including 10 in Croydon, for various crimes, including assaulting emergency workers.
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