Despite warnings of more than 100 planned protests, widespread calm anti-racism demonstrations took place on Wednesday night, easing concerns of further violent unrest. You could see counter-protestors in diverse English cities like Birmingham, Sheffield, Middlesbrough, and Walthamstow in London brandishing signs saying “Eliminate Islamophobia” and “Say No to Racism.”
These protests ensued after several days of violence led by far-right groups all over the nation. Although the majority of police units encountered minimal issues, Metropolitan Police reported that about 50 individuals assembled on North End Road, Croydon, South London, with a stated aim to “instigate disruption and incite chaos.”
The demonstration wasn’t connected to protests but appeared to demonstrate pure anti-social behaviour. Eight individuals were arrested for “attacking emergency workers, weapons possession, and other misdemeanours” after items and bottles were hurled down the road and at officers.
In preparation for over 100 planned protests, and possibly an additional 30 counter-protests on Wednesday, officers were getting ready. The expectation was of gatherings taking place in 41 of England and Wales’ 43 police force regions. The day was anticipated to be the busiest one of the week extending into the evening.
Apprehensions of civil disorder were fueled after threats to “target immigration attorneys and refugee services” were made public on the messaging application, Telegram. Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the PA news agency that such a publication of immigration law firms as potential targets could be perceived as a terrorist offence. He highlighted that a case of alleged terrorism was “actively being considered.”
In response to the nation’s recent unrest, an additional 20 individuals were indicted overnight, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This brought the total number of people charged to more than 140. Meanwhile, police leaders persist in cautioning those involved in the riotous behaviour that they should “anticipate a knock at the door.” Furthermore, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) forecasts a “significant” increase in this number in the days ahead as they aim to make further arrests.
Despite the prevailing calm throughout the nation, on Wednesday evening, law enforcement officers from Aldershot found themselves needing to intervene between conflicting groups when tensions escalated. Protestors bearing signs that read “Stand Up To Racism” were heard echoing affirmations of “refugees are welcome here.”
Contrarily, a crowd across the road responded with chants of “stop the boats,” with some advancing towards the Stand Up To Racism advocates, halting traffic and causing a chaotic uproar. Northamptonshire Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals for disturbance of public order within Northampton, who are currently in police custody. Thankfully, no civilians or law enforcement officers were harmed during the incident.
Earlier, the police force reported that approximately 150 counter-protesters congregated at the intersection of Kettering Road and Clare Road. Police advised the public to steer clear of the said area. Interestingly though, in most areas of protest, only the counter-protesters seemed to be in attendance.
Bristol witnessed the arrival of hundreds of counter-protesters in response to planned anti-immigration demonstrations. Antiracism advocates gathered in significant numbers around Castle Park and the city centre’s Old Market. A crowd of around 500 anti-fascist protesters amassed on Glossop Road in Sheffield. Still, there were no confirmations of anti-immigration protestors in the vicinity.
Officers were seen in baseball caps and overalls, with their riot gear within reach on their belts. Several police vehicles were stationed on nearby streets, notably proximate to Sheffield University’s student union.
The gathering crowd was addressed by a series of speakers via a loud hailer, leading them in chants of “whose streets? our streets!” and “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”. Several hundreds of counter-protestors took their stance directly outside an immigration advice centre located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, bearing banners that read “Oppose Tommy Robinson”, “Bigots out of Brum”, and “Stamp out Islamophobia”.
As the nearby clock tower struck 8 in the evening, there was still no indication of a far-right protest taking place.
In anticipation of a speculated protest, the entrance to a consultation hub situated in a triple-floor building, along with various neighbouring retailers and eateries, was covered up. A multitude of individuals assembled in the heart of Brighton, with lively music and drums emanating from the crowd. Banners with messages such as “Reject racism” and “Educational awareness is vital, misinformation is lethal” were on display.
Patrol vehicles lined the surrounding lanes, with constables situated amidst the public, maintaining a non-violent presence amongst demonstrators. In Liverpool, enthusiasts of the Asylum Link, located on Overbury Street, occupied the street due to news about a forthcoming protest being held outside. The road was cordoned off by a police van as a throng of hundreds rallied to safeguard the structure currently hidden behind timber panels.
Various petitions held by the assembly included messages stating “Grannies Oppose Neo-Nazis”, “Residents of Merseyside Counterattack” and “Attributing blame to the impoverished only benefits the wealthy.” Anti-prejudice demonstrators flooded Walthamstow in the hundreds, reciting chants such as “who owns the streets? We do!” and “Liberate Palestine”.
In the meantime, those seized over the prior week kept showing up at the courthouse each Wednesday, several distraught at learning they would remain incarcerated till subsequent trials. Bradford resident Liam Ryan, aged 28, was visibly emotional upon pleading guilty to raging havoc during altercations in the heart of Manchester over the weekend.
Mr. Parkinson alerted, “We’ve initiated proceedings of two counts inciting racial animosity derivative of digital exchanges. The public needs to comprehend, should they retweet or disseminate these exchanges, they could potentially be implicated in criminal activities themselves. Such infringements are majorly centred around the publication of content. When you retweet any post, you’re essentially republishing it.”