08 Aug 2024 | 08:36 AM UTC
UK: Further anti-immigration protests and counter-protests are likely nationwide through mid-August /update 5
Anti-immigration protests and counter-protests are likely across the UK through mid-August. Heightened security is almost certain at events.
Further protests are likely in urban centers across the UK through mid-August in the wake of the July 29 Southport knife attack. As of Aug. 8, the initial wave of anti-immigration protests has reduced significantly after police arrested hundreds of activists for violent disorder. On the evening of Aug. 7, thousands of anti-racism demonstrators took part in multiple events nationwide to denounce the anti-immigration protests. Further anti-racism demonstrations are planned for Aug. 10 across the UK. Campaign groups, including Stand Up to Racism, have announced over 20 events. The largest gatherings are likely to be:
Birmingham: Waterstones, City Centre, at 12:30
Edinburgh: Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, at 11:00
London: Reform UK HQ, 83 Victoria Street, at 14:30
Manchester: Piccadilly Gardens, at 11:00
Newcastle: Grey's Monument, at 09:30
Stoke: Hanley Town Hall, at 12:00.
Organizers have planned further gatherings in London, Brixton, at Finsbury Park Mosque, in Islington, and Tower Hamlets, and nationwide in Abergavenny, Cardiff, Coventry, Dumfries, Dundee, Eastbourne, Halifax, Harlow, Hastings, Lincoln, Oxford, Portsmouth, Wakefield, and York. Based on the gatherings on Aug. 7, several thousand people will likely attend the larger events.
Further anti-immigration and far-right demonstrations remain possible in the coming days. Activists have increasingly refrained from publicly sharing information about their planned gatherings, likely to avoid police action and counter-protests; nonetheless, demonstrations outside immigration centers and buildings hosting asylum seekers are possible.
Heightened security will almost certainly be visible in urban areas and towns nationwide through the coming days. Protests and counter-demonstrations are particularly likely to occur at or near mosques. Localized transport disruptions will likely accompany any demonstrations. Despite the heightened posture, police may respond slowly to unannounced demonstrations. Clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as acts of vandalism against mosques and asylum centers, cannot be ruled out. Unauthorized demonstrations, particularly those that feature violence or vandalism, face an increased threat of provoking police action. Bystanders would face an incidental risk should any violence occur. Authorities may expand Section 60 Orders to additional areas, increasing the likelihood of interactions with police.
As a standard precaution, avoid all related demonstrations. Monitor local media for updates on protests. Allow additional time if traveling near demonstrations. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
The July 29 Southport knife attack, in which three children were killed and several others injured, has prompted a strong response from Southport residents, anti-immigration activists, and nationalist activists.
Protests began in Southport on July 30, where anti-immigration activists clashed with police outside a local mosque following peaceful gatherings by residents and local politicians. On July 31, around 100 anti-immigration and nationalist activists were arrested following violent protests near Downing Street and Whitehall in London; related demonstrations also took place in Manchester, Hartlepool, and Aldershot, where several arrests and injuries occurred.
Although gatherings have been ostensibly organized to denounce the knife attack, unauthorized demonstrations have increasingly denounced immigration and targeted mosques and asylum centers with arson and vandalism. In recent days, anti-immigration activists have staged increasingly violent protests in cities including Belfast, Manchester, Plymouth, Bolton, Middlesbrough, and Rotherham. Authorities have reported clashes, looting, injuries, and over 400 arrests. On Aug. 6, authorities announced the mobilization of 6,000 additional police to respond to the violent unrest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that law enforcement officers are adopting a heightened posture nationwide. Section 60 Orders, which grant police temporary enhanced stop and search powers, are in effect in Liverpool, Southport, Manchester, Darlington, and Durham. Authorities announced on Aug. 5 that mosques will receive increased protection with new emergency security measures. The Muslim Council of Britain has also announced increased security at mosques nationwide.
