Far right protesters clash with police in UK cities as unrest spreads

Dr Ashraf Chohan

Recent protests and counter-protests in the UK have been marked by significant violence and clashes with the police. The unrest has largely been driven by far-right groups following the tragic stabbing of three children in Southport. These groups have organized protests under slogans like “Enough is Enough” and “Stop the Boats,” targeting immigration policies and expressing anti-immigrant sentiments.

The protest by the right wing extremists started after an incident a week ago when  a 17 year-old boy stabbed young many girls  who were at dancing school. Three girls died.   Without confirmation there was propaganda on the social media that the boy who stabbed the girls was a Muslim which did not prove to be correct. The initial protest included attacks on the mosques and immigrants. 

In response, counter-protesters, including anti-racism activists and supporters of refugee rights, have organized their own demonstrations to oppose the far-right rallies. These counter-protests have often resulted in clashes, as seen in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke, and Belfast.

The violence has included attacks on police officers, with incidents of bricks, bottles, and flares being thrown, and even arson attacks, such as the torching of a police station and a Citizens Advice Bureau in Sunderland. Several officers have been injured, and numerous arrests have been made, including some involving very young individuals, like an 11-year-old boy in Hartlepool.

Political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated measures to increase police coordination and use facial recognition technology to manage the disorder. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the rioters do not represent Britain, and local MPs have called for swift justice against those involved in the violence

The protests were on ongoing in many cities when these lines were written however police has been told to take the strongest action to end the violence.