Thousands of counterprotestors took to the streets across the U.K. on Wednesday evening after reports police were anticipating far-right demonstrations in more than 100 locations.
Businesses, restaurants and medical centers closed early following warnings from police after lists circulated on social media purporting to show where far-right actions were planned.
Over the last week, the U.K. has been rocked by the worst unrest in more than a decade as anti-immigration protests turned violent.
However, in many of the reported locations — particularly larger cities — thousands of counterprotestors took to the streets in defiance. Demonstrators were young and old, of many races. Some bore anti-fascist placards, others Bangladeshi or Palestinian flags or home-made signs. Others covered their faces.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that perpetrators of violence would “face the full force of the law,” a message since echoed by police chiefs. Officers have arrested more than 400 people and some perpetrators have already been convicted and jailed. The government hopes this visibly tough response will quell the violence.
Harjap Singh Bhangal, an immigration lawyer, told Sky News he’d been contacted by police and told to close his offices in London and Birmingham early on Wednesday because they could be targeted.
“I have faith in Britain, I have faith in the British public. As you can see, there’s a lot of support against the rioters, against the fascists, out on the street today. As we speak there are over 100 people out in Brentford protecting another office.”
Some far-right events did go ahead Wednesday, though most attracted small numbers and passed without significant incident.
In Portsmouth, a naval city on England’s south coast, up to 200 anti-immigration demonstrators met for what was the largest far-right demo of the evening. Sky News reported the police had to step in to protect the group from counter demonstrators.
The Telegraph reported that far-right protestors were bundled into a police van for their own safety in Brighton, as counterprotestors shouted “shame on you.”
Shortly before 9 p.m. local time, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper posted on X: “Thank you to all the police officers working tonight to protect & support local communities.”
