Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators took to the streets across the UK on Saturday, rallying in major cities including London, Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, and several other English towns. The demonstrations came in response to recent rioting attributed to far-right groups, following a tragic knife attack in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children.
The rallies were organized by the Stand Up To Racism advocacy group and saw significant turnout despite initial fears of violent confrontations with anti-immigration protesters. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, in contrast to the earlier unrest that had plagued various towns and cities.
In the weeks leading up to these protests, anti-migrant unrest had surged in more than a dozen English towns, including Belfast. Rioters had targeted mosques, hotels associated with immigration, police vehicles, and other sites, following the July 29 stabbings which were wrongly attributed to a Muslim immigrant on social media.
Recent nights have seen a decrease in violence, with nearly 800 arrests and numerous individuals already imprisoned, which authorities hope has helped deter further unrest. Despite the calmer situation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has postponed his holiday to focus on the ongoing crisis.
In Northern Ireland, unrest has persisted since last weekend, with a suspected racially motivated hate crime reported overnight. A petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, east of Belfast, but failed to ignite. Racist graffiti was also found on the building. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is treating the incident as a hate crime and is investigating further damage to property and vehicles in Belfast.
The disturbances in Northern Ireland have been exacerbated by pro-UK loyalist paramilitaries, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. On Saturday, approximately 5,000 anti-racism protesters gathered in Belfast, with the demonstration reported to be largely incident-free. Fiona Doran from the United Against Racism group, a co-organizer of the rally, emphasized the city’s stance against racism and various forms of discrimination.
In London, demonstrators assembled outside the office of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, blaming him and other far-right figures for inciting the recent riots through anti-immigrant rhetoric. Thousands marched through the city center, supported by a heavy police presence.
Protesters voiced their discontent with Farage’s influence on the volatile atmosphere. “It’s crucial for people of color and immigrants to see us, as white British people, standing against this,” said Phoebe Sewell, a 32-year-old Londoner. Jeremy Snelling, 64, criticized Farage for contributing to the tensions, labeling him as a harmful and dangerous figure.
As the protests continue, suspected rioters are appearing in court. Stephen Parkinson, head of the prosecution service, announced that a new phase of more serious cases is beginning, with those convicted facing potential jail terms of up to 10 years for rioting.
The recent events highlight a significant moment in the UK’s ongoing struggle with racism and far-right extremism. The widespread rallies and legal actions reflect a strong public response to the growing tensions and a commitment to confronting and addressing hate-fueled violence across the nation.
Sources By Agencies
