Far-right rallies and counter-protests were held across the UK today in response to misinformation about a recent knife attack in Southport. Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate reported that up to 35 protests were planned nationwide this weekend, with a broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim, and anti-government agenda.
In Belfast, a rally was held at the city hall in response to calls for anti-Islamic protests in Northern Ireland. Similar events took place in Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Hull, and Liverpool, with clashes between far-right demonstrators and counter-protesters reported in several cities.
Disorder and violence were seen in multiple locations, with police officers injured and arrests made. The resurgence of far-right violence in the UK has been attributed in part to social media platforms like X allowing figures such as Tommy Robinson back on their platforms. Experts note that the extreme right movement in the UK is more decentralized and lacks a central organization.
Stand Up to Racism organized anti-fascist protests in various cities today and has more events planned for Sunday. Their co-convenor, Weyman Bennett, emphasized the importance of standing against fascism and racism in the face of far-right rallies. The protests highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding multiculturalism and immigration in the UK.
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