1000s People Gather in British Cities Deploring Extremist Violence

On Wednesday evening, August 7, thousands assembled in various cities across the United Kingdom to protest against the far-right riots that have erupted in the country over the past week, following the tragic murder of three young girls.

Throughout the day, law enforcement officials expressed concerns about the potential for numerous new demonstrations characterized by racism and Islamophobia, and feared violent incidents targeting mosques and hotels housing migrants.

However, contrary to these fears, anti-hate demonstrators stood firmly against the extremists on Wednesday night, as reported by the Daily Mail in their Thursday-August 8 edition.

In northeast London, where an extreme right demonstration was anticipated in Walthamstow, thousands of protesters gathered, as observed by an AFP journalist.

Activists from the organization Stand Up To Racism and local residents, some of whom carried Palestinian flags, held placards that read “Stop the Far Right” and “Welcome Refugees.”

Sara Tresilian, a 58-year-old resident, shared her thoughts on the importance of community support: “I think it’s vital to stand up for our friends and neighbors.”

Furthermore, Andy Valentine, Head of Operations at the Metropolitan Police, expressed gratitude for the communities coming together in the capital, emphasizing the spirit of solidarity.

In Birmingham, hundreds gathered outside a migrant support center, chanting slogans such as “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.” Many held signs declaring, “Fascism is not welcome.”

Brighton saw around 2,000 participants in what police described as a “peaceful” demonstration.

Additional gatherings occurred in cities like Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Oxford, all of which dispersed without incident.

Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, tensions flared sporadically—in Aldershot, police intervened to separate anti-racist activists from a group chanting “Stop the boats,” a reference to the migrants arriving in the UK by small boats across the Channel.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commended the police for their efforts on the ground, stating they were working to “protect and support local communities.”

These protests took place under a heavy police presence, as authorities had warned rioters of severe consequences should they repeat the violent actions of previous days.

Source: Le Mauricien