After anti-Muslim, anti-immigration far-right riots in UK, anti-racism protests take over

Thousands of police officers and anti-racism protesters gathered across Britain on Wednesday (August 7) to counter anticipated far-right groups, which ultimately did not appear, following over a week of violent racist attacks targeting Muslims and migrants.

The unrest began early last week after three young girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England. False online messages mistakenly identified the suspected killer as an Islamist migrant, triggering riots.

Online posts suggested that far-right, anti-Muslim protesters would target various immigration centers, migrant support centers, and specialist law firms on Wednesday. This led to many businesses closing early and some shops boarding up windows.

In response, thousands of police officers were deployed, and large crowds of protesters assembled in cities including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Hastings. They held banners with messages such as “Fight racism,” “Stop the far right,” and “Will trade racists for refugees.”

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The protesters comprised a diverse mix of Muslims, anti-racist and anti-fascist groups, trade unionists, left-wing organizations, and local residents appalled by the recent riots.

By 8 pm GMT, no reports of serious disorder had surfaced. Police noted that around 50 people in Croydon, south London, had thrown bottles and attempted to cause disruption.

Stetson Matthew, a 64-year-old waste collector, joined thousands of demonstrators in Walthamstow, northeast London. Reuters quoted him as saying. “Everybody has the right to do what they need to do, but they must put their voices across peacefully, amicably, without any stress or violence.”

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Lucy, a 37-year-old flower grower who joined a counter-protest in Hastings, southeast England, expressed relief at the large turnout. “I felt I absolutely had to be here tonight to take a stand, and it is much easier for me to come as a white woman than for some of my non-white friends, so I’m here in solidarity,” she said.

The riots last week saw groups of a few hundred, mostly men, clashing with police and smashing windows of hotels housing asylum-seekers from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The rioters chanted “get them out” and “stop the boats,” referring to migrants arriving in Britain in small dinghies without permission.

They also pelted mosques with rocks, prompting Muslim organizations to issue community safety advice.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing his first major crisis since winning the July 4 election, has warned rioters they would face lengthy jail terms. He is determined to quell the worst outbreak of violence in Britain in 13 years.

With inputs from Reuters