Britain is expecting a possible unrest today, as thousands of police officers were deployed throughout the country during which they feared violence from far-right groups following a series of anti-immigrant riots in recent days. Rather than the expected anti-immigration rallies, cities saw thousands of antiracism campaigners with some staging demonstrations close to areas believed to be potential riot flashpoints.
Many people were relieved that there had been no widespread violence after an evening went without any major incidents.
Far-right instigators and an online disinformation campaign played a role in fueling the violent disturbances that have occurred across at least a dozen towns and cities in the UK over the past week, following a fatal knife attack on children who were attending a dance class in northwestern England. It was falsely claimed online that the teenager suspect was an asylum seeker despite him being British by birth.
Although police have not disclosed any motive for the attack as there are strict crime reporting rules in Britain when legal proceedings are active, BBC has reported that the suspect’s parents hailed from Rwanda.
In response to heightened tensions, police deployed approximately 6,000 public order units across Britain – increasing foot patrols in several towns and cities while empowering officers making arrests even prior to actual rioting incidents.
Hampshire Police arrested one man from Eastleigh aged 40 for violent or threatening behaviour following a small gathering of outnumbered anti-immigration protestors and counter-protestors. In Bristol one person was arrested after throwing a brick and bottle at police vehicle but on average peaceful protests were held. Police dispersed protesters blocking roads elsewhere including Portsmouth where immigration-related demonstrations transpired albeit involving only small numbers; also during this time additional officers were deployed into Belfast, Northern Ireland where four nights of disorder was still ongoing.
A lot of businesses closed early within affected areas, and parents picked up their kids from nearby childcare centers. On Wednesday evening “fascists out!” echoed through streets below while overhead helicopter circled and “Love Not Hate” banners were brandished. Despite a large police presence, the anticipated anti-immigration crowd never materialized. It was instead a multiracial gathering that included local residents who were taken aback by the protest in their neighborhood, union groups and those denouncing recent violence in Britain.
Late on Tuesday night British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that anybody participating in the violence would be dealt with “to the full extent of the law”. He claimed over 400 people had been arrested during the ongoing unrest, some of whom had engaged in riots and committed online offences with about 100 individuals charged.
According to him, “that should send a very powerful message” to anyone involved either directly or online as you are likely to face justice within one week and nobody should be partaking in this disorder.”
