By: Anyang Chen
During the weekend, many people involved in far-right groups were arrested for causing violent disturbances during a protest about illegal immigration in the U.K.
These protests were held in 10 major places, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester.
Far-right groups are people who have an extreme thought on things like race, immigration, and nationalism.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented on this wave of unrest stating “There is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.”
Not everyone in the protests were from far-right groups. Some people were influenced by the Internet misinformation about illegal immigration after a recent mass stabbing in Southport. In Southport, during a Taylor Swift-themed event, 9 children were stabbed and 3 died. 2 adults were also injured while attempting to protect the children.
Rumors quickly spread over the internet that the man was Muslim and an immigrant. The Internet disseminated several negative messages about “illegal immigration” and “racism”. Axel Rudakubana was arrested and charged with eleven cases of attempted murder in relation to the stabbing.
On Tuesday, a riot formed where far-right groups threw projectiles like bricks and fireworks at the police. These far-right groups believed that the reason this man was even in the country was because of illegal immigration, so they rioted against the police. Police say “several” were injured.
Now, some anti-racism groups like the organization “Stand Up To Racism” have formed and have begun campaigning on the streets. Many of them were even fighting against far-right groups during the weekend. The police were heavily involved and several law enforcement officers were injured.
Many places such as Downing Street, the place of residence of the Prime Minister, had meetings about these protests. During one meeting, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledges that he will give much support to police forces to fight off “extremists” attempting to “sow hate”.