Unity from the public played a key role in preventing widespread riots in the UK, with thousands of anti-racism protesters taking to the streets of London and other cities to counter far-right groups’ calls for anti-immigrant marches. Police Commissioner Mark Rowley praised the peaceful demonstrations, crediting the show of force from both the police and communities for averting extreme right disorder.
In London, where thousands of officers were deployed and specialist forces were on standby, protesters gathered with messages of support for immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. Drum beats and chants of “refugees welcome” filled the air, as cities like Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool, and Bristol also saw large and peaceful protests.
Counter-protesters at an immigration center in Walthamstow and other areas displayed signs condemning far-right ideologies and violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the disturbances as “far-right thuggery” and emphasized the need to protect immigration lawyers and services.
The unrest, fueled by misinformation about a recent knife attack suspect, targeted immigrant and Muslim communities, leading to attacks on mosques and shelters. The UK witnessed some of its worst social unrest in years, highlighting the importance of unity and peaceful demonstrations in challenging extremism.
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