Thousands of anti-racism protesters gathered in towns and cities across England in response to a week of anti-immigrant rioting and disorder. Mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were targeted during the unrest, with shops being burned and looted. The protests were organized by Stand Up to Racism and saw up to 22 ‘Stop the Far Right’ demonstrations held in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
The demonstrations were sparked by misinformation spread on social media following a fatal knife attack on children, with false claims that the attacker was an immigrant and a Muslim. Protesters accused politicians like Nigel Farage of inciting fascist behavior and marched in support of refugees outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Downing Street.
Around 2,500 people took part in the protests, chanting “refugees are welcome here.” Stand Up for Racism representative, Gary McFarlane, emphasized that the majority of Britons support a multicultural society and stand against racism and fascism. King Charles III of the UK praised those who stood against racism in the wake of the recent unrest, acknowledging the broader challenges facing European countries in dealing with migration and the rise of far-right sentiment.
The protests highlight the ongoing struggle against racism and xenophobia in the UK and Europe as a whole, with growing tensions around issues of immigration and far-right ideology. Protesters’ calls for solidarity and support for refugees demonstrate a commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse society.
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