Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets of Britain on Wednesday in defiance of far-right violence that has swept the country over the last week. Up to 25,000 protesters, some chanting “hate not welcome” and “refugees welcome here”, gathered in towns and cities like Walthamstow, Finchley, Birmingham, Newcastle and Blackpool as nearly 100 far-right rallies failed to materialize. Police were braced for 100 far-right protests across the country threatening to target immigration services, with officers expecting around 30 counter-demonstrations. The details of 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities and immigration services were circulated in a list shared on social media alongside instructions to “rise up” and “mask up” over recent days. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson warned the publication of immigration law firms as potential targets for disorder could be considered a terrorism offense.
UK riots live: Up to 25,000 counter-protesters march in clear message to far-right after 100 rallies planned
Counter protesters in Walthamstow chant ahead of an anti-immigration protest
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Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets of Britain on Wednesday in defiance of far-right violence that has swept the country over the last week.
Up to 25,000 protesters, some chanting “hate not welcome” and “refugees welcome here”, gathered in towns and cities like Walthamstow, Finchley, Birmingham, Newcastle and Blackpool as nearly 100 far-right rallies failed to materialise.
Police were braced for 100 far-right protests across the country threatening to target immigration services, with officers expecting around 30 counter-demonstrations,The Independent understands.
The details of 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities and immigration services were circulated in a list shared on social media alongside instructions to “rise up” and “mask up” over recent days.
It identified the organisations’ addresses as targets for the anticipated far-right demonstrations alongside flame emojis, images show.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson warned the publication of immigration law firms as potential targets for disorder could be considered a terrorism offence.
Have you been affected by this? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
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Muslim activists apologise after pub-goers mistaken for far-right group in attack
Members of a Muslim community have apologised after an attack which saw pub patrons mistaken for far-right rioters in Birmingham.
Social media rumours spread that a far-right group was drinking at The Clumsy Swan pub, on Stoney Lane in Yardley, on Monday night.
On the seventh day of disorder on the UK’s streets, huge crowds descended on the area, with footage showing gangs of men in balaclavas, some shouting ‘Free Palestine’ and holding Palestinian flags, after it was suggested the far-right was planning to target the area.
Pub-goer Sean McDonagh, 51, hid under a garden table as he was punched and kicked by a group of men who had gathered to “protect” the Muslim community from the far-right. He said he suffered a “lacerated liver” in the attack which ended when one of the men stood over him.
Our reporter Barney Davis has the full story:
Salma Ouaguira8 August 2024 01:00
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The Independent View | At a time of civil unrest, the last thing Britain needs is Elon Musk
When Elon Musk bought Twitter two years ago, he jocularly styled himself “Tweeter-in-Chief”.
There was some hope, then – albeit mixed with trepidation – that with his vast wealth, legendary drive and proven technological instincts, he might be a force for good. It is fair to say that it has not turned out that way, writes our editorial.
Instead of “Tweeter-in-Chief”, Mr Musk has now appointed himself “Troll-in-Chief” for the prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Mr Musk, though well travelled in space, is not very familiar with the little island off Europe called Britain, and he’d be well advised to steer clear of the country’s political affairs at a time of national crisis.
Salma Ouaguira8 August 2024 00:00
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Three arrested in Newcastle and Sunderland
Three people have been arrested following planned protests in Newcastle and Sunderland.
Northumbria Police said the evening had “largely passed without incident” as they thanked people for their support.
The arrests made were in connection with public order offences and being drunk and disorderly, the force said on social media.
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:56
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Fifteen arrested across London
Fifteen people were arrested across London as thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against a wave of far-right violence sweeping the UK.
1 x assault on an emergency worker4 x breaching a Section 35 dispersal order1 x going equipped for arson4 x violent disorder2 x offensive weapon (a lock knife and a golf club)1 x drunk and disorderly1 x obstructing a Section 60 search1 x possession of an offensive weapon
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:41
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Watch: Aerial footage shows huge scale of London anti-racism protests
Aerial footage shows huge scale of London anti-racism protests
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:40
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Man arrested in Essex
Police in Essex have arrested one man on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after planned disorder on Wednesday evening.
No public order offences were reported in Chelmsford or Southend, Essex Police said. A group gathered in Hamlet Court Road in Southend shortly after 7pm, but officers found no offences being committed and no threat or harm being posed.
People left the area shortly after 9.15pm with no arrests directly linked to the planned protests being made.
Police said one man was arrested in the area shortly after 5.15pm on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after he was searched by officers.
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:33
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Watch: Gambian man says ‘I feel loved again’ after anti-racism protesters take to Bristol streets
Gambian man says ‘I feel loved again’ after anti-racism protesters take to Bristol streets
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:30
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Watch: Liverpool anti-racism protesters defend asylum charity from far-right threat
Liverpool anti-racism protesters defend asylum charity from far-right threat
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:20
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Pictured: Aerial views of Walthamstow anti-racist demonstration
(The Independent)(The Independent)
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:12
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‘Hate not welcome’: Thousands of anti-racism protesters take to streets in show of defiance against far right
Alexander Butler7 August 2024 23:05
Read the full story on www.independent.co.uk
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/riots-uk-today-london-birmingham-protest-immigration-centre-b2592456.html