In several UK cities, police clashed with protesters in the latest round of unrest spurred by far-right groups, following a recent stabbing attack in northwest England. Dozens of individuals were arrested on Saturday amid scenes of violent crowds and burning shopfronts widely shared on social media.
The tensions have escalated since the stabbing incident in Southport, where three children were killed during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class. Far-right activists have been accused of spreading disinformation online, falsely claiming the attacker was an illegal immigrant. UK police have clarified that the 17-year-old assailant, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, was born in Cardiff, taking the unusual step of naming him despite his being a minor.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened with senior ministers on Saturday to address the unrest. A Downing Street spokesperson stated, “The Prime Minister expressed full support for police action against extremists who are attacking officers, disrupting businesses, and inciting hate.” Starmer emphasised the distinction between freedom of expression and violent disorder.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the violence, asserting that “thuggery” has no place in the UK. Protests erupted in cities like Manchester, Belfast, and Liverpool, with anti-immigrant demonstrators clashing with counter-protesters. In Liverpool, crowds gathered along the riverside, chanting slogans like “Stop the Boats,” while city police reported injuries among officers due to “serious disorder.”
In Manchester, protesters carried placards with messages like “Save our Kids,” encountering anti-racism campaigners who held signs saying “No to Fascism and No to Racism.” Belfast saw riot police deployed after projectiles and fireworks were launched near City Hall, resulting in injuries and heightened tensions between far-right and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate estimated up to 35 protests over the weekend, driven by a “broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim, and anti-government agenda.” National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Gavin Stephens announced increased police resourcing, and the UK Crown Prosecutor Service added 70 extra lawyers to assist with charging decisions.
Arrests were reported in several cities: at least 20 in Hull, 11 in Liverpool, 12 in Sunderland, two in Belfast, and multiple in Bristol. The Muslim Council of Britain urged mosques to enhance security following incidents of mobs targeting mosques in Southport and Hartlepool. Earlier protests in Sunderland saw 10 arrests and four officers injured, with charges ranging from violent disorder to burglary.
The suspect in the Southport stabbings, charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, appeared in court after a judge lifted reporting restrictions. Prime Minister Starmer has committed to addressing the rise in far-right violence, meeting with police chiefs to formulate a national action plan.
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