13 Aug 2024 | 02:03 PM UTC
UK: Further anti-immigration protests and counter-protests are likely nationwide through mid-August /update 6
Anti-immigration protests and counter-protests are likely across the UK through mid-August. Heightened security likely.
Further protests are likely in urban centers across the UK through mid-August in the wake of the July 29 Southport knife attack followed by a wave of anti-immigration protests. Anti-racism counterprotests have been organized throughout the UK as a response, rallying several thousand people in the UK's major cities. Violence has decreased significantly after police arrested at least 741 people for violent disorder as of Aug. 9; anti-immigration protests have also significantly decreased following the anti-racist gatherings of July 7-10. Authorities implemented increased security measures near mosques nationwide, providing rapid response by local police to be deployed in case of violence. Campaign groups, including Stand Up to Racism, have announced several events. The largest upcoming gatherings include:
Birmingham: High Street, City Center, 12:30 Aug. 17;
Bournemouth: Bourne Avenue Town Hall, 11:00 Aug. 18;
Dover: Market Square, 10:30 Aug. 17;
Glasgow: Nithsdale Road, 18:00 Aug. 14;
London: Stoke Newington Road, 17:00 Aug. 17;
Sheffield: Wicker Lane, 19:00 Aug. 13.
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 likely 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 could activate Section 60 Orders, which grant police temporary enhanced stop and search powers, in particularly affected areas.
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.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that law enforcement officers are adopting a heightened posture nationwide following the July 29 Southport knife attack. Three children were killed, and several others were injured in the violent act, prompting 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. Throughout the following week, the police carried out over 700 arrests following violent protests across the UK.
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. On Aug. 6, authorities announced the mobilization of 6,000 additional police to respond to the violent unrest.
Section 60 Orders, which grant police temporary enhanced stop and search powers, have been in effect in Liverpool, Southport, Manchester, Darlington, and Durham. Since Aug. 5 authorities increased security near mosques due to the increased risk of violence. The Muslim Council of Britain has also announced increased security at mosques nationwide.
