UK: Further protests denouncing Southport knife attack likely nationwide through early August /update 3

Further protests are likely in urban centers across the UK as of Aug. 6 in the wake of the July 29 Southport knife attack. 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, Middlesborough, 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.

Anti-immigration activists have increasingly refrained from publicly sharing information about their planned gatherings, likely in order to avoid police action and counterprotests; nonetheless, a series of demonstrations outside immigration centers and buildings hosting asylum seekers will likely take place in urban centers nationwide at 20:00 on Aug. 7. Over 40 immigration and asylum centers have been identified in social media posts as targets for potentially violent unrest, including in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Stoke, Southend, and multiple locations in London, including Harrow, North Finchley, Walthamstow, and Brentford. Further short-notice protests and associated heightened security are highly likely in the coming days.

Counterprotests, organized by residents, anti-fascist activists, and anti-racism activists, have been announced in the coming days across the country. Unannounced gatherings are also highly likely, particularly near mosques and immigration centers. Planned gatherings include but are not limited to:

• Aug. 7: The Stand Against Islamophobic Attacks group will meet at the Clock Tower, Lewisham, from 19:00

• Aug. 8: Anti-racism groups will meet at the Clock Tower, Brighton, from 17:30

• Aug. 10: Anti-racism groups will meet at Grey’s Monument, Newcastle, from 09:30

• Aug. 10: Anti-racism groups will meet at Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield, from 12:00.

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, and Darlington. 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.

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 be slow to respond 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.