Thousands across UK protest against racism as Reform HQ targeted
Reform UK’s central London offices were targeted by activists as part of widespread anti-racism protests on Saturday.
More than 3,000 protesters, backed by drummers, shouted slogans and held banners aloft in front of the party’s base in the centre of the capital. Half a dozen police officers stood guard, with reinforcements stationed nearby.
Addressing the crowd, Samira Ali, the national organiser of Stand Up To Racism, said: “We are standing here today to send a message to Nigel Farage and Reform UK. We think he is fanning the flames of bigotry and Islamophobia.
“We are drawing a line in the sand. There will be no more fascists on the street. Anti-racists are the majority.”
A man was briefly removed from the march by police.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday evening, the Metropolitan Police said: “A video has been shared online showing an incident involving a GB News camera crew and a protester in Whitehall earlier today.
“It is important that the press are able to report freely, including at protests, without being subject to harassment, abuse or intimidation.
“The footage released appears to show a protester trying to obstruct a GB News camera crew as they reported, by putting his hand up to the lens.
“As he does so, a man who was working as security for the camera crew intervenes and pushes him away.
“Officers moved in quickly to prevent any further escalation. No allegations were made at the time and both parties went their separate ways. “We have confirmed with GB News that they do not wish to take the matter further.”
Officers said no arrests had been made.
Stand Up To Racism had organised dozens of protests around the country, in places including Leicester, Oxford, Southampton, Yeovil, Colchester, Nottingham, Hull and Norwich.
In Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens, hundreds turned out holding placards reading “Grannies for love not hate” and “Racists not welcome”.
The crowd chanted: “Grieving families are in pain, no to violence in their name” in a reference to the killing of three children at a dance class in Southport on July 29.
In Newcastle city centre, a large crowd of anti-racism protesters outnumbered a handful of far-Right supporters.
Police lines formed a barrier between the two groups, near The Gate shopping centre, with reinforcements parked on side streets in case of clashes.
A far-Right supporter was arrested after refusing to comply with a search order, while a woman was held after trying to cross from one protest to the other. A man was also held after being found in possession of a hammer.
Police had imposed restrictions on protests in the city amid fears that the start of the new football season could bring further unrest.
Northumbria Police later said: “Thankfully, the activity was peaceful and passed without incident and we thank everyone who visited Newcastle today either to attend the football events, protest peacefully, or enjoy the city.”
In Scotland, hundreds gathered in George Square, Glasgow’s usual focal point for demonstrations and protests. The crowd, made up of all ages, carried Stand Up To Racism placards stating “Oppose Tommy Robinson”, with others holding trade union banners.
A small number of far-Right supporters – one of whom held up a sign that said “Asylum frauds out” – were led away as a line of officers was deployed to separate the sides.
Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, where there were chants of “refugees are welcome here”.
Meanwhile, more than 15,000 gathered in Belfast for one of the largest anti-racism protests ever held in the city. It followed a week of unrest and disorder, with streets sealed off and far-Right groups chanting: “Send them home.”
A spokesman for the United Against Racism group said: “Belfast is an inclusive and diverse city that will not be bowed by racist hate.”
It came hours after a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in County Down, in an incident described by police as racially motivated. The mosque, in Newtownards, was attacked at around 1am, with graffiti sprayed on the front door and walls. Police said the petrol bomb did not ignite.
Saturday’s protests followed widespread rioting by far-Right mobs after the Southport attack. Rumours on social media falsely blamed a Muslim migrant who had supposedly arrived in Britain on a small boat for the killings at the Taylor Swift-themed event.
Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed.
05:38 PM BST
Far-Right ‘on the back foot’ say counter-protesters
The far-right are ‘on the back foot’ following nationwide protests, according to the organiser of Stand Up to Racism.
Speaking after the march from Reform UK’s headquarters to Trafalgar Square, Samira Ali revealed they estimated over 5,000 protesters had attended.
She hailed the ‘carnival atmosphere’ present but said there was still work to be done.
Reasoning why the group held Nigel Farage - whose party’s HQ they started the march at - responsible, she said: “The constant rhetoric about stop the boats, refugees, and Muslims being to blame.
“It creates a toxic atmosphere.
“We do think he has questions to answer for.”
On the Prime minister’s Response to violence since the Southport stabbings, she added: “Keir Starmer has come out saying they’re far right and refused to call them racist.
05:04 PM BST
Crowds gather in Trafalgar Square
Anti-racism protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square to hear speeches.
Speakers condemned X boss Elon Musk and accused Reform UK Nigel Farage of “spreading racism”.
One speaker from Stand up to Racism, which organised the event, said: “After being outnumbered, we turned it around this week.”
04:08 PM BST
Thousands of protesters march to Parliament
Thousands of protesters have now left Reform UK’s HQ and are marching towards the Houses of Parliament.
Led by a banner which reads ‘No to Farage, No to Racism, No to Hatred’, the demonstrators are continuing their anti-fascist chants.
Drums and whistles accompany the chants of what organisers estimate to be over 3,000 marchers.
04:05 PM BST
Watch: Anti-racism protests erupt across Scotland
Hundreds of anti-racism demonstrators have gathered at rallies in Edinburgh and Glasgow after violent disorder erupted elsewhere in the UK.
The civil unrest came after the killing of three young girls in Southport, after which disinformation was spread about the suspect on social media.
The campaign group Stand Up To Racism Scotland (SUTRS) organised counter-protests outside Holyrood in Edinburgh and in George Square in Glasgow.
Demonstrators carried placards and banners displaying slogans such as “No to racism” and “Refugees welcome: Stop the far right”.
One campaigner posted on X along with a video capturing the large crowd in George Square: “This is Glasgow. Sending a LOUD and CLEAR message to the FAR RIGHT. These are OUR STREETS.”
03:47 PM BST
‘Farage is fanning the flames of bigotry’
The organiser of Stand Up to Racism has accused Nigel Farage of ‘fanning the flames of bigotry and Islamophobia’.
Addressing a lively crowd outside Reform UK’s HQ in central London, Samira Ali said they were there to ‘send a message’.
The group’s national organiser said: “There are thousands of people here.
“We are standing here today to send a message to Nigel Farage and Reform UK. We think he is fanning fanning flames on bigotry and Islamophobia.
“We are drawing a line in the sand. There will be no more fascists on the street.
“Nigel Farage has something to answer for when he talks about stopping the boats, immigration and two-tier policing.
“Anti-racists are the majority.”
03:34 PM BST
Who are Stand Up To Racism?
The Stand up to Racism campaign group organising Saturday’s protests against the far right has its roots in the anti-racism movements of the 1970s and 80s.
The umbrella group, which has branches across Britain, has drawn widespread support from Labour MPs, members of the Lords, celebrities and writers.
Dozens of public figures signed a statement drawn up by SUTR this week calling for communities to unite against the far right, including Lord Peter Hain; Kate Nash, the singer songwriter; Jerry Dammers, founder of The Specials; and the pop star Paloma Faith.
Also putting their name to SUTR’s ‘Unity Statement’ were the historian Dr Lousie Raw; Gurinder Chadha, the director of Bend It Like Beckham and Blinded By The Light; and the leaders of a dozen major trade unions, including the RMT, ASLEF and the Fire Brigades Union and the teaching unions NASUWT and NEU.
In its statement, SUTR said: “Fascist riots have taken place in towns and cities across Britain leading to attacks on mosques and hotels housing migrants.
“All those who oppose this must join in a united mass movement powerful enough to drive back the fascist.
“We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We can defeat them again. We must Stand Up to Racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must unite and mobilise against the far right and fascism.”
03:25 PM BST
Watch: Man jailed for nearly three years after hurling bricks at TK Maxx in Plymouth
A 49-year-old man who caused more than £5,000 worth of damage to a TK Maxx was jailed for nearly three years.
Justin Crimp was caught on CTTV hurling bricks and smashing the door of the shop in Plymouth during widespread unrest on Monday.
He pleaded guilty to committing violent disorder and criminal damage and was jailed for 32 months at Plymouth Crown Court today.
03:24 PM BST
‘I am not far-Right’ claims anti-immigration protester
An anti immigration protester, wearing Union Jack-themed sunglasses and a St George’s Cross draped around her shoulders at a demonstration in Newcastle has claimed she is ‘Not Far Right’.
02:55 PM BST
Petrol bomb thrown at mosque in Northern Ireland
A petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Co Down in the early hours of Saturday morning, in an incident described by police as racially motivated.
The mosque in Newtownards was attacked at around 1am, with graffiti sprayed on the front door and walls of the building on Greenwell Street.
Police said the petrol bomb thrown at the property did not ignite.
Chief Inspector Hutchinson said: “This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime, and I want to send a strong message to those who carried this out, that this type of activity will not be tolerated and any reports of hate crime are taken very seriously.
“I am appealing to anyone with any information or footage that could assist with enquiries to come forward and help to identify those responsible and put them before the courts.”
02:38 PM BST
Teenagers plead guilty to violent disorder in Rotherham
Three people have pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Manvers, Rotherham, on Sunday August 4, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) has said.
Kaine Hicks, 22, of Wombwell Road, Platts Common; Drew Jarvis, 19, of no fixed address; and a 17-year-old boy admitted the offence at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, the force said.
A SYP spokesperson said Hicks and Jarvis were remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday, while the teenager will be sentenced at the same court on August 20.
02:30 PM BST
Protesters outside Reform UK HQ
Over 200 protesters have congregated outside Reform UK’s headquarters in central London this afternoon.
In a Stand Up To Racism rally, demonstrators stood armed with placards banners and flags.
Protesters had previously announced their plans to ‘Stop the far right and Nigel Farage’.
The address near Victoria, is listed at Reform UK’s registered office on companies house.
It was guarded by six police officers, with police riot vans stationed around the corner.
One sign held by a protester read: “I guess Farage will blame the immigrants for stealing his last three brain cells.”
02:22 PM BST
Anti-racism demonstrations begin in Cardiff
Around 200 anti-racism protesters have gathered in Cardiff.
The group assembled in the centre of the Welsh capital by the statue of Aneurin Bevan, founder of the NHS.
The crowds are holding up signs saying “Refugees Welcome” watched by a dozen or so police officers, Sky News reported.
02:06 PM BST
13-year-old boy among others charged with violent disorder.
Greater Manchester Police said eight people were due before Manchester Crown Court on Saturday after being charged with violent disorder following protests across the region.
They included a 13-year-old boy who was charged with violent disorder.
01:30 PM BST
19-year-old pleads guilty to violent disorder in Bristol
A man will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday after admitting violent disorder in the city on August 3.
Cassius Adamson, 19, of Lockleaze, Bristol, pleaded guilty to the charge and was remanded into custody at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Avon and Somerset Police had arrested 20 people after “completely unacceptable” scenes in Castle Park.
Arrests were made for various offences including affray, racially-aggravated public disorder, animal cruelty and assaulting an emergency worker, police said.
Hundreds of far-right protesters and a counter-protest group gathered for two demonstrations in Bristol city centre.
01:11 PM BST
15,000 take part in anti-racism rally in Belfast
More than 15,000 gathered in Belfast in one of the biggest anti-racism protests to have been held in the city.
The demonstration, which began at Writer’s Square and made its way to City Hall, followed a week of unrest and disorder in the city, which saw streets sealed off and far-right groups holding signs with slogans such as “Shankill Road says no to illegal immigration” and chanting “Send them home”.
A spokesperson for the United Against Racism group said: “Belfast is an inclusive and diverse city that will not be bowed by racist hate.”
01:00 PM BST
‘She was full of joy, light and love,’ says family of victim killed in Southport
The family of Bebe King, six, who died after being stabbed in Southport said she “was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore”.
A statement released by Merseyside Police, on behalf of the family, read: “The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
“From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family.
“The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.”
They added: “We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her.
“Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.”
The statement was signed “with love and gratitude, Lauren, Ben, and Genie”.
12:28 PM BST
Gaza protests and far-Right riots require different approaches, says former head of prison watchdog
Rejecting claims of ‘two tier’ policing Sir Thomas Winsor, a former Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said critics of the force were not comparing like with like.
He told BBC News: “It’s often said that noisy marches in relation to Gaza have been policed differently to these riots. Yes, of course they have”
“Because noisy marches are not setting fire to hotels, or throwing rocks to the police or setting fire to police vans”
Sir Thomas added: “Every time there is a policing operation the police will assess the threats, the harms and the risks involved. If there is more threats, harms and risks, then they’ll police it harder”
“The police were taking a real battering. Missiles.. Vans being set alight.. The community came out to stand with their friends and their families and their neighbours, who are the police.. To protect the police and to show the police that they have their support”
12:18 PM BST
Police release images of people wanted over disorder in Hartlepool
Cleveland police have released photographs of seven men, one woman and three juveniles wanted in connection with the disorder in Hartlepool.
The images were taken on July 31, the same day that around 200 people took to the streets of Hartlepool shouting racist abuse and attempting to target a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Cleveland Police detective inspector Chris Pringle said: “Our determination to identify and detain all those suspected of causing serious violence and disorder in Hartlepool has not wavered,” said Cleveland Police detective inspector Chris Pringle.
“We have already identified and arrested numerous people as a result of members of the public getting in touch to report information or the individuals handing themselves into police.”
12:05 PM BST
Hundreds of anti-fascist protesters turn out in Glasgow
In Scotland hundreds also gathered at Glasgow’s George Square, the city’s traditional focal point for demonstrations and protests.
Here the crowd, made up of all ages, carried Stand Up To Racism placards stating ‘Oppose Tommy Robinson’, with others holding up trade union banners.
Several hundred demonstrators also gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, where there were chants of “refugees are welcome here”.
In Dumfries, about 200 people came out, some holding messages of unity, including one stating: “We are one people.”
11:47 AM BST
Far-right protesters gather in Newcastle
In Newcastle city centre a large crowd of anti-racism protesters, numbering several hundred, vastly outnumbered a handful of far right supporters, Patrick Sawer reports
Police lines formed a barrier between the two groups, near The Gate shopping centre, with reinforcements parked up on side streets in case of any clashes.
One placard held up among the crowds read ‘Geordies Against Fascism’.
Posting photographs of the anti-racist gathering in the city Robert McDonald, a Professor of Education & Social Justice, wrote: “Standing Up to Racism in Newcastle
Loads of us are here! Geordies Are Black And White.”
11:24 AM BST
Anti-racism protests begin in Manchester
Anti-racism campaigners called for thousands to take to the streets on Saturday in a show of community strength against the far right, Patrick Sawer reports.
The day’s protests began in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens, where crowds turned out holding home made placards reading ‘Salfordians Welcome Refugees’, ‘Grannies for love not hate’ and ‘Racists not welcome’.
The crowd chanted “grieving families are in pain, no to violence in their name” in a reference to the killings of three little girls at a dance class in Southport on July 29, which sparked widespread far right violence.
Activists hope to see a repeat of the large numbers which last week protested in defence of minority communities.
They say the marches and vigils against the threat of the far right have shown the true face of modern Britain.
Guardian reporter Helen Pidd has shared photographs of the scene in Manchester.
Anti-racist @Manchester_SUTR solidarity protest in Manchester at Piccadilly Gardens pic.twitter.com/rnnUmBIQeH
— Helen Pidd (@helenpidd) August 10, 2024
11:06 AM BST
Anti-racism rally to be held in Belfast
An anti-racism rally will take place in Belfast later on Saturday, after a week of anti-immigration rioting and disorder.
Organised by the United Against Racism group, the demonstration will start at Writer’s Square at midday before marching to City Hall.
It comes after around a thousand people gathered in the city for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators on Friday evening.
A heavy police presence and barriers were put in place to keep the two groups apart at Belfast City Hall, while Donegall Square North and Wellington Place were closed to traffic for several hours.
People at the anti-immigration protest were seen holding signs with slogans such as “Shankill Road says no to illegal immigration” and chanting “Send them home”.
11:02 AM BST
How many counter-protests can we expect?
Dozens of anti-racism protests are expected to take place across the UK on Saturday.
More than 40 protests from the campaign group Stand Up To Racism have been planned in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Demonstrations have been planned in the following cities.
London
Edinburgh
Cardiff
Belfast
Manchester
Birmingham
Liverpool
Nottingham
10:35 AM BST
Northumbria Police given extra powers to deter potential protesters
Northumbria Police has implemented a number of extra legal powers on Saturday ahead of potential planned protest activity in the region, including in Newcastle.
Officers have enhanced stop-and-search capabilities for people and vehicles in the hunt for weapons, and will have the authority to remove items used to conceal identity, such as face coverings.
They have the power to impose directions on anyone organising or taking part in an assembly where there is a reasonable belief that it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property, or serious disruption to the life of the community.
Officers will also have the power to disperse anyone in a certain area if they believe their behaviour contributed to or is likely to contribute to members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, or distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder.
Chief Superintendent Steve Wykes said: “The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, however, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.
“A robust policing presence has been stood up. Officer rest days have been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe.”
He added: “This should act as a warning to anyone with the intention of causing any further disorder - you will face the full force of the law. You are not welcome in our region.”
10:27 AM BST
Police bail woman arrested for allegedly posting misinformation about Southport attacker.
A 55-year-old woman has been bailed following her arrest in relation to a social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the suspect in the Southport murders.
The woman, from near Chester, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred and false communications.
Cheshire Police said she has been bailed pending further inquiries.
False claims that the person responsible for fatally stabbing three young girls and wounding nine other children was an asylum seeker on an MI6 terror watch list had erupted on social media shortly after the attack on July 29.
10:09 AM BST
Two-tier policing claims put officers ‘at risk’, says former police chief
The suggestion there is two-tier policing puts officers ‘at risk’, a former police chief has said.
Neil Basu, previously head of UK counter-terrorism, slammed Dame Priti Patel for putting officers “at risk” with her “divisive” comments about how rioters have been dealt with since the Southport tragedy.
The Tory leadership candidate and former home secretary has claimed police were “absent” in some areas and the “perception” of two-tier policing “undermines public trust” in the force.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Mr Basu said: “That is a very divisive comment.
“I’ll echo what my friend Commissioner Mark Rowley said earlier on in the week - two tier policing is absolute nonsense.”
09:48 AM BST
Three arrested in Plymouth riot, police confirm
Three more people have been arrested following the riot that broke out in Plymouth on Monday night.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they had detained three suspects but have not said what they have been held for.
The force said officers are “working tirelessly to keep the public safe and investigate reported offences”.
Four men have been jailed for violent disorder by a judge at Plymouth Crown Court this week - and a fifth is due to be sentenced on Monday.
Around 150 officers were deployed in Plymouth on Monday night as an anti-fascist rally was held in the city centre - yards from a smaller group of far right activists.
09:45 AM BST
Catch up: King calls for unity in wake of riots
The King has spoken of his hopes that “mutual respect and understanding” will unite the nation in the wake of the riots following the killing of three young girls in Southport.
The monarch praised the “community spirit” of Britain that has “countered the aggression and criminality from a few”, in a series of conversations with those leading the response.
He is understood to have told Sir Keir Starmer and police chiefs how he has been “greatly encouraged” by the “compassion and resilience of the many” in the face of violence, as he thanked the emergency services for their work in restoring peace.
In telephone calls on Friday evening, the King is said to have spoken of his hopes that “shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation”.
Read the full story here.