Mass Arrests Follow Violent Far-Right Demonstrations Across the UK

[Social Media]

 

More than 90 individuals have been arrested following violent far-right demonstrations in various towns and cities across the UK on Saturday. The demonstrations, which took place in locations including Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast, saw bottles thrown, shops looted, and police officers attacked. However, not all the protests turned violent.

 

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged the government's full support to police forces in taking action against extremists attempting to sow hate. Tensions have been particularly high following the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, Merseyside, earlier in the week. In Liverpool, violence erupted as bricks, bottles, and a flare were thrown at police officers. One officer was hit in the head with a chair, while another was kicked and knocked off his motorbike.

 

 

Anti-fascist demonstrators gathered across from Liverpool’s Lime Street station at lunchtime, calling for unity and tolerance with chants of “refugees are welcome here” and “Nazi scum, off our streets.” They marched to the city's riverside to confront around one thousand anti-immigration protestors, some of whom were shouting Islamophobic slurs. Police in riot gear struggled to keep the two sides apart, with reinforcements called in to maintain order. The unrest continued into the early hours of Sunday morning, with fireworks launched towards police officers in riot gear. Merseyside Police confirmed a number of officers had been injured, describing the events as "serious disorder." Two officers were taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw. The force reported 23 arrests.

 

 

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms condemned the violence, stating, "The disorder, violence and destruction has no place here in Merseyside, least of all after the tragic events that took place in Southport on Monday." She added, "Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and this city." At a government meeting earlier on Saturday, a spokesperson for Starmer emphasized the distinction between the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder seen over the weekend. He reiterated that there is no excuse for violence and that the government backs the police in taking all necessary action to keep the streets safe.

 

 

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that anyone engaging in "unacceptable disorder" would face imprisonment and travel bans, among other punishments. She assured that "sufficient" prison places had been made available. "Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain's streets," Cooper stated. She added that the police have the government's full backing in taking action against those engaging in "thuggery."

 

 

In Bristol, protesters and counter-protesters faced a standoff. One group could be heard singing "Rule Britannia," "England 'til I die," and "we want our country back," while the opposing side chanted "refugees are welcome here." Beer cans were thrown at the anti-racism group, and some of the rival protesters were baton-charged by officers. Avon and Somerset Police reported 14 arrests and anticipated further arrests in the coming days.

 

 

In Manchester, scuffles with police led to at least two arrests. In Belfast, two people were arrested as protesters outside a mosque threw objects at the media and earlier smashed windows in a cafe. In Hull, protesters smashed a window at a hotel housing asylum seekers, and bottles and eggs were thrown at police. City Hall was placed on lockdown as the British Chess Championships took place inside. Humberside Police reported three injured officers and 20 arrests after disorder in the city center saw shops ransacked and items set on fire.

 

 

In Blackpool, protesters clashed with punks attending the Rebellion Festival, with bottles and chairs thrown. Lancashire Police reported over 20 arrests, with minor disruption also occurring in Blackburn and Preston. In Stoke-on-Trent, bricks were thrown at officers. Staffordshire Police clarified that two men, initially reported to have been stabbed, had been hit by thrown objects and were not seriously injured. The force reported 10 arrests and three officers with minor injuries. Elsewhere, Leicestershire Police made two arrests in Leicester city center, while West Yorkshire Police made one arrest on the Headrow in Leeds.

 

 

Not all demonstrations descended into violence, and in some places, protesters dispersed by the evening. Saturday's protests followed a night of violence in Sunderland on Friday, which saw four police officers hospitalized and 10 people arrested. Hundreds of people rioted, throwing beer cans and bricks at riot police outside a mosque, and a Citizens Advice office was torched. Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

 

 

The BBC has identified at least 30 demonstrations being planned by far-right activists around the UK over the weekend, including a new protest in Southport. An extra 70 prosecutors are on standby to charge those arrested in connection with the violent disorder. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly called on Starmer and the Home Secretary to "do more" to restore public order and "send a clear message to the thugs."

 

 

Earlier this week, the prime minister announced a new national violent disorder program to help clamp down on violent groups by allowing police forces to share intelligence. The 2011 London riots prepared Starmer for stopping unrest, but tackling the deeper roots of the protests will be much harder. When asked if he feared a "summer of riots," Starmer dodged the question, focusing instead on recent specific events.

 

 

Following the protests which flared in Southport, London, Leeds, and elsewhere after the killing of the three girls, Starmer warned that he is dealing with "a group of individuals who are absolutely hell-bent on violence." He decided to "pull together senior police officers" to ensure a robust response to the violence, not just in the coming days but continually. An effective response to rioting requires appropriate powers for the police and swift justice for offenders. In the longer term, however, there are two more complex tasks: countering external forces, such as the internet, which may facilitate trouble-making, and responding to the grievances of those causing the mayhem.

Starmer insists that only "a tiny mindless minority" and "gang of thugs" are behind the violence following the Southport stabbings.

 

 

However, he acknowledges that the slogan "enough is enough" about immigration resonates with peaceful protesters and violent individuals alike, including swing voters who supported Labour for the first time this year. At last Monday's cabinet meeting, Cooper and Pat McFadden, a senior government member, emphasized the need to urgently address concerns about immigration, particularly reducing small boat crossings. Balancing this with maintaining support from Labour's traditional base will be more challenging than delivering swift justice for violent protesters.

 

 

The stabbings are not the only reason behind the summer's disturbances. In Leeds last month, violent incidents erupted following social worker intervention with a family. Other potential flashpoints have included peaceful demonstrations on widely supported issues, such as Black Lives Matter and calls for a Gaza ceasefire. Political leaders must respond constructively to these motivations, though not necessarily agree with them. Police chiefs maintain that the justification for mob violence should not affect how they deal with it. Until the weather breaks, Starmer's best hope is that people in troubled areas remain cool, calm, collected, and off the streets.

 

 

Credit: BBC | Sky News  2024-08-03

 

 

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[FruitPudding]

Hats off to these fine patriots. Keep it up.

[BangkokReady]

You can't help feeling that by labelling these protests "far-right", the media is attempting to deflect attention from the grievances that prompted them.

 

It sounds like they're pushing a narrative of "Some racists are protesting because they hate non-White people, not because they have a valid reason to be upset".  But then when some non-White people are protesting something, it's made to sound completely legitimate.

 

I wonder where this will all end, if the media pushes a narrative where non-Whites can do no wrong, and Whites cannot complain about anything non-Whites do.

[stevenl]

Excellent, arrest all rioters from both sides.

[frank83628]

 Tensions have been particularly high following the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, Merseyside, earlier in the week...by ................?

 

why not say who did the stabbing? 

[stevenl]

1 minute ago, BangkokReady said:

You can't help feeling that by labelling these protests "far-right", the media is attempting to deflect attention from the grievances that prompted them.

 

It sounds like they're pushing a narrative of "Some racists are protesting because they hate non-White people, not because they have a valid reason to be upset".  But then when some non-White people are protesting something, it's made to sound completely legitimate.

 

I wonder where this will all end, if the media pushes a narrative where non-Whites can do no wrong, and Whites cannot complain about anything non-Whites do.

"You can't help feeling that by labelling these protests "far-right", the media is attempting to deflect attention from the grievances that prompted them."

 

No idea who you mean with 'you'.

But they're called far right because they are far right violent thugs. This has nothing to do with 'grievances', only with thugs wanting violence.

[frank83628]

15 minutes ago, Social Media said:

Other potential flashpoints have included peaceful demonstrations on widely supported issues, such as Black Lives Matter

peaceful.??  didnt they cause 1000's of pounds in damages and threw historical statues in the river.

[BangkokReady]

2 minutes ago, stevenl said:

No idea who you mean with 'you'.

 

I'm not sure how you don't know how this use of the word "you" works (unless English isn't your first language).  Google "the generic you" and you should be able to find out.

 

2 minutes ago, stevenl said:

But they're called far right because they are far right violent thugs. This has nothing to do with 'grievances', only with thugs wanting violence.

 

I don't think they are all far-right thugs and they do have valid grievances.  That was my point.  The fact that you deny their grievances suggests you're part of the problem.

[FruitPudding]

21 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

You can't help feeling that by labelling these protests "far-right", the media is attempting to deflect attention from the grievances that prompted them.

 

It sounds like they're pushing a narrative of "Some racists are protesting because they hate non-White people, not because they have a valid reason to be upset".  But then when some non-White people are protesting something, it's made to sound completely legitimate.

 

I wonder where this will all end, if the media pushes a narrative where non-Whites can do no wrong, and Whites cannot complain about anything non-Whites do.

 

Exactly. 

 

It's just politics. 

 

White people protesting = fascist, Nazi, racist, Islamaphobe.

 

It's all media propaganda BS 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

17 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

You can't help feeling that by labelling these protests "far-right", the media is attempting to deflect attention from the grievances that prompted them.

 

It sounds like they're pushing a narrative of "Some racists are protesting because they hate non-White people, not because they have a valid reason to be upset".  But then when some non-White people are protesting something, it's made to sound completely legitimate.

 

I wonder where this will all end, if the media pushes a narrative where non-Whites can do no wrong, and Whites cannot complain about anything non-Whites do.

What valid reason do they have to riot?

 

What valid reason do they have to attack an innocent community?

 

What valid reason do they have to destroy property?

 

What valid reason do they have to violently attack the police?

 

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

15 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

peaceful.??  didnt they cause 1000's of pounds in damages and threw historical statues in the river.

They did, and that was wrong too.

 

Now back to topic.

[FruitPudding]

I mean, what would Thais do if these atrocities were happening to their country and the government wasn't fixing it?

 

They'd likely do the same.

 

Would they be far right fascists? 

 

No.

 

 

[MalcolmB]

Glad I left that s41thole behind.

 

An immigrant ghetto with a lot of scum who show no respect to our “culture” which is being showcased in all its glory by these pro-white anti immigration rioters half of who are walking around drinking alcohol.

 

It is a class act all round. 
 

Burn to the ground and start again.

 

 

 

 

[BangkokReady]

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

What valid reason do they have to riot?

 

What valid reason do they have to attack an innocent community?

 

What valid reason do they have to destroy property?

 

What valid reason do they have to violently attack the police?

 

I'm not sure how this tirade applies to my post.  Did you mean to reply to someone else?

[MalcolmB]

14 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

The fact that you deny their grievances suggests you're part of the problem.

Are you an immigrant?

Are you part of the problem?

[BangkokReady]

2 minutes ago, FruitPudding said:

Would they be far right fascists? 

 

No.

 

The lefties would be applauding them, because it's all ideological.  They don't actually care about anyone, and they certainly don't care about being honest or fair.

[bob smith]

It was always inevitable that this was going to happen.

 

You can only push the natives so far before violence erupts:

 

Two-tier policing is an absolute disgrace.

The fact that illegal migrants are being housed in hotels at the taxpayers expense is a disgrace.

Knife crime is a disgrace.

Human Trafficking is a disgrace.

The murder of British children on our streets is a disgrace.

Sex grooming gangs are a disgrace.

 

Each successive government and the standoffish way they have handled all of the above is also a disgrace. They are totally complicit and MUST be held accountable. This is decades of frustration that is finally coming to the boil. It is justified and this is just the beginning.

 

Enough is enough.

 

bob.

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

I'm not sure how this tirade applies to my post.  Did you mean to reply to someone else?

It’s not a tirade, is some very simple questions that are directly related to your statement:

 

31 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

It sounds like they're pushing a narrative of "Some racists are protesting because they hate non-White people, not because they have a valid reason to be upset".

 
They aren’t protesting, they are rioting.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

6 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

The lefties would be applauding them, because it's all ideological.  They don't actually care about anyone, and they certainly don't care about being honest or fair.

You made that up.

 

Well done.

[Chomper Higgot]

10 minutes ago, FruitPudding said:

I mean, what would Thais do if these atrocities were happening to their country and the government wasn't fixing it?

 

They'd likely do the same.

 

Would they be far right fascists? 

 

No.

 

 

But this atrocity is getting fixed, the murderer is in custody and is heading to trial.

 

 

[proton]

10 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

What valid reason do they have to riot?

 

What valid reason do they have to attack an innocent community?

 

What valid reason do they have to destroy property?

 

What valid reason do they have to violently attack the police?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being ignored on mass immigration, betrayed and lied to by successive governments, soft on crime, 2 tier Policing and appeasing Islam, denigrating our history and distorting it with lies about it always being multi cultural  seem like valid reasons. You can only defecate on people so much before they react.

[KannikaP]

31 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

 Tensions have been particularly high following the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, Merseyside, earlier in the week...by ................?

 

why not say who did the stabbing? 

They have done, and released his photo.

[proton]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

But this atrocity is getting fixed, the murderer is in custody and is heading to trial.

 

 

 

Of course he is and will get a few years in a mental health unit with a playstation and trips to the seaside, like the Notts killer.

[proton]

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It’s not a tirade, is some very simple questions that are directly related to your statement:

 

 
They aren’t protesting, they are rioting.

 

 

Like BLM snd Antifa then, mostly peaceful. Only comrade Starmer will not be taking the knee for them this time.

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, proton said:

 

 

Being ignored on mass immigration, betrayed and lied to by successive governments, soft on crime, 2 tier Policing and appeasing Islam, denigrating our history and distorting it with lies about it always being multi cultural  seem like valid reasons. You can only defecate on people so much before they react.

The murderer was born in the UK, not an immigrant.

 

There is no ‘two tier policing’.

 

There is zero connection between

 these heinous murders and Islam.

 

The UK’s history is multicultural.

 

There is no excuse for rioting.

 

[impulse]

5 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It’s not a tirade, is some very simple questions that are directly related to your statement:

 

 
They aren’t protesting, they are rioting.

 

By lefty standards, they were "mostly peaceful". 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Of course he is and will get a few years in a mental health unit with a playstation and trips to the seaside, like the Notts killer.

I don’t know, and neither do you.

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, impulse said:

 

By lefty standards, they were "mostly peaceful". 

 

 

 

Trouble condemning these violent riots on their own merit?

[Chomper Higgot]

1 minute ago, proton said:

 

Like BLM snd Antifa then, mostly peaceful. Only comrade Starmer will not be taking the knee for them this time.

Trouble condemning these riots on their own merit?

[proton]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The murderer was born in the UK, not an immigrant.

 

There is no ‘two tier policing’.

 

There is zero connection between

 these heinous murders and Islam.

 

The UK’s history is multicultural.

 

There is no excuse for rioting.

 

 

Still murder by immigration, if his lying parents were not given the asylum scam pass he would not have been in the UK would he. Nobody claimed this particular murder was Islamic, a nice change from them raping and stabbing.