Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators took to the streets across the UK on Saturday, protesting recent far-right rioting linked to the tragic Southport knife attack that killed three children. The protests, organized by the Stand Up To Racism group, occurred in major cities including London, Glasgow, Belfast, and Manchester.
Recent nights have seen a decline in violence, thanks to nearly 800 arrests and ongoing legal proceedings against suspected rioters.Stephen Parkinson, head of the prosecution service, announced that many participants in the riots would soon face justice, with the possibility of up to 10 years in prison for the most serious offenses.
In Northern Ireland, police are investigating a suspected racially motivated hate crime after a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, though it failed to ignite. Racist graffiti was also found on the building. Despite these incidents, a large anti-racism rally in Belfast, attended by around 5,000 people, was reported to have occurred largely without incident.
UK PM cancels vacation to focus on crisis
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has canceled his planned holiday next week to concentrate on the ongoing crisis. The decision comes as part of the government’s intensified efforts to address the unrest sparked by the deadly July 29 stabbings, which were falsely attributed to a Muslim immigrant on social media. This misinformation led to violent attacks on mosques, hotels linked to immigration, and other sites.
In London, thousands gathered outside the office of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party before marching through the city center. Protestors accused Farage and other far-right figures of fueling the riots with anti-immigrant rhetoric. Demonstrators emphasized their commitment to standing against racism and supporting marginalized communities.
Recent nights have seen a decline in violence, thanks to nearly 800 arrests and ongoing legal proceedings against suspected rioters.Stephen Parkinson, head of the prosecution service, announced that many participants in the riots would soon face justice, with the possibility of up to 10 years in prison for the most serious offenses.
In Northern Ireland, police are investigating a suspected racially motivated hate crime after a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, though it failed to ignite. Racist graffiti was also found on the building. Despite these incidents, a large anti-racism rally in Belfast, attended by around 5,000 people, was reported to have occurred largely without incident.
UK PM cancels vacation to focus on crisis
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has canceled his planned holiday next week to concentrate on the ongoing crisis. The decision comes as part of the government’s intensified efforts to address the unrest sparked by the deadly July 29 stabbings, which were falsely attributed to a Muslim immigrant on social media. This misinformation led to violent attacks on mosques, hotels linked to immigration, and other sites.
In London, thousands gathered outside the office of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party before marching through the city center. Protestors accused Farage and other far-right figures of fueling the riots with anti-immigrant rhetoric. Demonstrators emphasized their commitment to standing against racism and supporting marginalized communities.