Anti-racism protesters rally across UK after violent far-right riots

Thousands gathered on the streets of the UK on Saturday at anti-racist rallies behind held across the nations. 

The demonstrations came following anti-immigrant riots and violence which had gripped the country earlier this month following a fatal knife attack on children in Southport. 

Misinformation spread through social media had claimed the attacker was an illegal immigrant and a Muslim. 

Stand Up to Racism organised up to 22 ‘Stop the Far Right’ demonstrations on Saturday in cities including London, Manchester and Birmingham. 

In London, thousands assembled outside Reform UK’s London office to accuse British politician Nigel Farage of “inciting fascist rioters,” before marching outside the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence in support of refugees.  

It’s estimated that around 2,500 people turned out for the march in the capital – with protesters chanting “refugees are welcome here.”  

Gary McFarlane, from Stand up for Racism, said, “The majority of people in Britain are for a multicultural society and are against the violence of the racist and the fascist.” 

The UK’s King Charles III applauded those who took to the streets of British towns and cities to stand against racism following the recent unrest. 

The predicament facing the country is a microcosm of the broader challenges confronting many European countries as they face a series of problems relating to migration and the rise of far-right sentiment.