Far-right and anti-racist protesters clashed in several UK cities on Saturday, leading to multiple arrests. Demonstrations took place in Brighton, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Glasgow, following violent unrest in Belfast and Southampton in recent days.
Belfast and Southampton Unrest
In Belfast, homes and vehicles were set on fire this week after Stephen Ogilvie, 44, lost an eye in a knife attack on Monday evening. Hadi Alodid, 30, originally from Sudan, has been charged with attempted murder. In Southampton, five people were jailed for violent disorder after riots broke out in response to the death of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was arrested in error over false racism claims while dying from stab wounds inflicted by Vickrum Digwa, a British Sikh.
Sheffield Protest
In Sheffield, a protest was held by Raise the Colours, a group that describes itself as a "grassroots movement for unity and patriotism" and campaigns against illegal immigration. South Yorkshire police arrested five people, including four men for public order offences and one on suspicion of assault. A 17-year-old boy was detained after an alleged attack on an emergency worker. Superintendent Charlotte Bloxham noted that the operation was "complicated by a counter-protest group which did not adhere to conditions in place," but officers managed the situation safely.
Brighton Clashes
In Brighton, the anti-immigration group South East Patriots faced off against counter-protesters from Carnival Against Fascism. South East Patriots called for stronger border control and deportation of illegal immigrants. More than 20 anti-racist groups, including DJ Fatboy Slim, participated in the counter-demonstration to show that "the far right are not welcome in Brighton." Minor skirmishes occurred near Brighton railway station, with far-right demonstrators draped in St George's and union flags contained by police. A Sussex police spokesperson confirmed the arrest of a man for breach of the peace and assaulting a police officer, and another for a public order offence.
Liverpool Unrest
In Liverpool, protesters clashed in the Walton area, with right-wing groups chanting for mass deportations. Merseyside police arrested a man on suspicion of breach of the peace.
Andy Burnham's Remarks
During a campaign speech, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham warned that the UK is on a path towards the "poisonous" politics of the United States under the current Labour leadership. He described increasing polarisation and a lack of community cooperation, stating, "Things are getting harder, and politics is getting more polarised."
Glasgow Demonstration
In Glasgow, thousands gathered for a "reclaim our streets" demonstration organised by Stand Up to Racism. A smaller group of counter-protesters, mostly men in balaclavas, were fenced off by police. Some appeared to perform Nazi salutes. Tensions rose as counter-protesters attempted to breach barriers, and projectiles such as drink cans were thrown. Counter-protesters waved union and Israel flags, while anti-racism protesters waved Palestinian, Ukraine, and Scotland flags.
