Far-right and anti-racist protesters clashed in multiple UK cities on Saturday, leading to several arrests as tensions escalated following recent violent unrest in Belfast and Southampton.
Protests Across the UK
In Brighton, the anti-immigration group South East Patriots faced off against counter-protesters from the Carnival Against Fascism event. South East Patriots demanded stronger border control and deportation of illegal immigrants. More than 20 anti-racist groups, including DJ Fatboy Slim, joined the counter-demonstration, vowing to show that the far right is not welcome in Brighton. Minor skirmishes occurred near Brighton railway station, where police contained far-right demonstrators on Terminus Road. A man was arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace and assaulting a police officer, while another was detained for a public order offence.
In Liverpool, protesters clashed in the Walton area, with right-wing groups chanting for mass deportations. Merseyside Police arrested a man on suspicion of breach of the peace.
Sheffield saw a protest by Raise the Colours, a group campaigning against illegal immigration. South Yorkshire Police arrested five people, including four men for public order offences and one for assault. A 17-year-old boy was also detained for allegedly attacking an emergency worker. Superintendent Charlotte Bloxham noted that the operation was complicated by a counter-protest group that did not adhere to conditions, but officers managed the situation safely.
Glasgow Demonstration
In Glasgow, thousands gathered for a "reclaim our streets" demonstration organized by Stand Up to Racism. They faced a smaller group of counter-protesters, mostly men wearing balaclavas, who were fenced off by police. Some counter-protesters performed what appeared to be Nazi salutes. Tensions rose as counter-protesters attempted to breach barriers, and projectiles like drink cans were thrown. The anti-racism side waved Palestinian, Ukrainian, and Scottish flags, while counter-protesters waved Union and Israeli flags.
Background of Unrest
The protests follow violent unrest in Belfast, where homes and vehicles were set on fire after Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye in a knife attack. Hadi Alodid has been charged with attempted murder. In Southampton, five people were jailed for violent disorder after riots over the death of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student mistakenly arrested for false racism claims while dying from stab wounds inflicted by Vickrum Digwa.
Political Reaction
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham warned that the UK is heading toward the "poisonous" politics of the United States under current Labour leadership. Speaking during a campaign event, he said politics is becoming more polarized and communities are no longer working together.
