But in the early evening, mainly anti-racist activists gathered in several cities. In Birmingham (centre), hundreds of people gathered outside a support center for migrants. In the footage, we hear slogans like “Let's say it loud and clear, refugees are welcome here.” Some had signs that read “Fascism is not welcome.”
Other demonstrations were organized in Bristol (west), in Liverpool (north) near the building of an association that helps asylum seekers, in Brighton (south), Sheffield (north), Newcastle (north) or again Oxford (centre).
Over 400 arrests
However, some tensions have flared sporadically, such as in Aldershot (south), where the PA agency reports that police had to separate anti-racist activists and another group of people who were shouting “Stop the boats”, in reference to migrants arriving in the United Kingdom by crossing the Channel on inflatable boats.
These gatherings are taking place under a heavy police presence, while authorities have stepped up warnings and warned that rioters were at great risk in an attempt to deter further demonstrations of violence.
More than 400 arrests have been made since the clashes began last week, and more than 120 people have been charged, according to prosecutors. The first convictions were also handed down.
“No one is safe from the law”
“This is the swift action we are taking,” hailed Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the X, which is multiplying messages of firmness in the face of thugs. Counter-terrorism police chief Matt Jukes warned that authorities were not ruling out the use of counter-terrorism legislation in the face of certain violence.
“No one is safe from the law,” London police chief Mark Rowley warned on British television, attacking the “warriors behind the keyboards” who spread hateful content.
The government has indicated that a reserve “army” of 6,000 specialist police officers will be set up this week and that 567 prison places will be available to incarcerate those who speak out.