Thousands of people across England took to the streets on Wednesday, standing resolutely against the wave of far-right violence that has engulfed the country in recent days. In a powerful display of unity, up to 25,000 counter-protesters convened in various towns and cities including Walthamstow, Finchley, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Blackpool. Their chants of “hate not welcome” and “refugees welcome here” echoed through the streets, as they made their voices heard in opposition to the divisive ideologies of the far right.
This outpouring of activism occurred in direct response to the threat of nearly 100 planned far-right rallies, which ultimately failed to materialize. Instead, the protest landscape was dominated by banners and signs denouncing the far right and prominent figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson. It was a clear statement of rejection, demonstrating that the majority of individuals in England stand firmly against hate.
While concerns of potential violence were present, with online posts indicating that the far right aimed to target immigration services, the day remained largely peaceful. Approximately 30 counter-demonstrations were anticipated by law enforcement, who had circulated the details of 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities, and immigration services. This proactive dissemination aimed to mitigate the risk of disorder, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding institutions within a democratic society.
The director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, did not underestimate the severity of the situation. He cautioned that the publication of targets for disorder could potentially be regarded as a terrorism offense, emphasizing the gravity of such actions. The united front exhibited by the counter-protesters, however, reflected a strong determination to combat hatred and division with resilience and solidarity. It was a reminder of the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive society for all.