Thousands of people have responded to a rallying cry to “stop the far-right”, turning out at anti-racist counter-protests being held across the UK for a national day of protest.
Anti-fascist group Stand Up to Racism said more than 50 demonstrations took place on Saturday, with huge crowds gathering in towns and cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
Police were braced for further violence ahead of the weekend, following more than a week of nationwide riots – but the far-right ended up being outnumbered by anti-racists everywhere, or not appearing at all, according to the organisation.
In the capital, as many as 5,000 anti-racist protesters assembled outside Reform UK’s London office to accuse the party’s leader Nigel Farage of “inciting fascist rioters”, before marching on Whitehall in support of refugees.
It comes as Tory councillor’s wife Lucy Connolly was refused bail and will appear at Northampton Crown Court on Monday after she was charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred on social media.
So far, 779 people have been arrested for offences ranging from violent disorder to theft over the far-right violence, of whom 349 have now been charged.
Have you been affected by this? Email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Thousands turn out at anti-racist counter-protests held across UK
- Southport victim’s funeral to take place today
- Hundreds of protesters outside Reform UK office
- More than 770 people now arrested and almost 350 charged over rioting, says NPCC
- Tory councillor’s wife remanded in custody
- Family of Southport victim ‘shattered’ by loss
Southport victim’s funeral to take place today
07:45
Alexander Butler
The first of three funerals for the young girl’s fatally stabbed at a dance class in Southport nearly two weeks ago will take place today.
Nine-year-old Alice de Silva Aguiar will be laid to rest at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Merseyside at 2pm later today.
Described as “amazing, caring and confident”, Alice was killed alongside Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.
Suspect Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, has been charged three counts of murder and 10 of attempted murder in connection with the tragedy.
Impact of riots to be felt for years, justice secretary warns
07:24
Alexander Butler
The impact of far-right violence that engulfed the country last week will be felt for years to come, the justice secretary warned.
Condemning “thugs and hooligans”, Shabana Mahmood said rebuilding the justice system would now be made harder, with the impact of riots lasting for years.
“The impact of these days of disorder will be felt for months and years to come. They make the job of rebuilding the justice system harder,” Ms Mahmood wrote in The Observer.
Thousands turn out at anti-racist counter-protests to ‘stop the far-right’ across the UK
07:00
Tara Cobham
Thousands of people have responded to a rallying cry to “stop the far-right”, turning out at anti-racist counter-protests being held across the UK for a national day of protest.
Anti-fascist group Stand Up to Racism called for around 45 demonstrations to take place across the country on Saturday, with huge crowds gathering in towns and cities such as London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, following more than a week of nationwide far-right riots.
With police braced for further violence ahead of the weekend, the far-right ended up being outnumbered by anti-racists everywhere, according to Stand Up to Racism, with more than 50 rallies where the far-right did not appear at all taking place nationwide.
Read the full report here:
Family tribute to ‘shimmering star’ Bebe who died in Southport stabbing
06:00
Tara Cobham
Here is the full statement released on Saturday by Lauren and Ben King, the parents of six-year-old Bebe King: “On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair.
“Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.
“The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family. The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.
“We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.
“Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead.
“To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.
“To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you. Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
“To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you. Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief.
“We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.
“With love and gratitude, Lauren, Ben, and Genie”
Key questions: Social media moderation and inciting violence online
05:50
Arpan Rai
The role of social media in the violence and disorder on Britain’s streets has become a key issue, with the moderation and regulation of platforms coming under scrutiny.
Misinformation spreading online in part helped sparked the riots, and now people are being arrested and charged for inciting hatred or violence through social media platforms.
Here is a closer look at how social media content moderation currently works, how posting hateful material can be a crime and how regulation of the sector could change moderation going forward.
– How do social media sites moderate content currently?
All major social media platforms have community rules that they require their users to follow, but how they enforce these rules can vary depending on how their content moderation teams are set up and how they carry out that process.
Most of the biggest sites have several thousand human moderators looking at content that has been flagged to them or has been found proactively by human staff or software and AI-powered tools designed to spot harmful material.
– What are the limitations as it stands?
There are several key issues with content moderation in general, including: the size of social media makes it hard to find and remove everything harmful posted; moderators – both human and artificial – can struggle to spot nuanced or localised context and, therefore, sometimes mistake the harmful for the innocent; and moderation is heavily reliant on users reporting content to moderators – something which does not always happen in online echo chambers.
Furthermore, the use of encrypted messaging on some sites means not all content is publicly visible and can be spotted and reported by other users. Instead, they rely on those inside encrypted groups reporting potentially harmful content.
Read more here:
Minister who oversaw 2011 riots warns justice system is collapsing
05:23
Arpan Rai
The former attorney general during the 2011 riots has warned recent far-right violence should be a wake-up call for the country’s broken justice system.
Dominic Grieve said that the authorities in recent days had “risen to the occasion”. So far, more than 480 people have been arrested, with 150 appearing in court and stiff jail terms for those who have been sentenced.
But, he stressed, high-profile arrests and sentences will not necessarily prevent future violence on the streets unless extensive court delays caused by years of underfunding are dealt with.
“There is a much wider and longer-term issue, which is the justice system in this country is not functioning properly,” he told The Independent. “It can rise to the occasion, as one can see in current circumstances. But generally speaking, the length of time it takes for somebody to be brought to justice is much too long.
“And I think that in a society where there are very, very long delays in dealing with ordinary criminality, it is an extremely unsatisfactory state of affairs, and that comes from persistent underfunding. In fairness to the last Conservative government, the underfunding goes back way before they came into office as the coalition in 2010, but it certainly hasn’t been improved since.”
Schools to teach children about spotting fake news online in curriculum overhaul after UK riots
05:18
Arpan Rai
Schools will teach children about spotting extremist content and fake news online in an overhaul of the curriculum after far-right riots erupted across the UK.
The education secretary announced on Saturday that English, ICT (information and communication technology) and maths are among the lessons that will be used to “arm” pupils against “putrid conspiracy theories”.
Students will begin acquiring the critical thinking skills that enable identifying misinformation online as young as five, said Bridget Phillipson.
She told The Telegraph: “It’s more important than ever that we give young people the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge what they see online.
“That’s why our curriculum review will develop plans to embed critical skills in lessons to arm our children against the disinformation, fake news and putrid conspiracy theories awash on social media.
Boris Johnson launches scathing attack on Keir Starmer over immigration
05:00
Tara Cobham
Boris Johnson has launched a scathing attack against prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over his handling of the far-right riots and his approach to immigration.
The former PM, who was disgraced over breaking lockdown rules during the pandemic and misleading parliament, accused Sir Keir’s government of being “deaf” to public concerns about immigration.
Writing in his MailOnline column, Mr Johnson suggested Sir Keir needed to pack his “Factor 50” and go on holiday to reflect on his premiership so far.
Maya Oppenheim reports:
Boris Johnson launches scathing attack on Keir Starmer over immigration
04:52
Arpan Rai
Boris Johnson has launched a scathing attack against prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over his handling of the far-right riots and his approach to immigration.
The former PM, who was disgraced over breaking lockdown rules during the pandemic and misleading parliament, accused Sir Keir’s government of being “deaf” to public concerns about immigration.
Writing in his MailOnline column, Mr Johnson suggested Sir Keir needed to pack his “Factor 50” and go on holiday to reflect on his premiership so far.
He added in his outburst: “Nothing excuses a government that seems deaf to public concerns, and that suggests, moreover, that they actively dislike all members of the public who share those concerns.”
Maya Oppenheim reports:
Armchair thug jailed for Facebook posts urging rioters to attack asylum hotel
04:40
Arpan Rai
An armchair thug who encouraged rioters to attack a hotel housing asylum seekers over social media has become the first person jailed for inciting recent disorder across the UK online.
Jordan Parlour, 28, admitted to publishing posts on Facebook last week which encouraged violence at a hotel in Leeds where 200 asylum seekers and refugees were living.
He was sentenced with 20 months behind bars in Leeds Crown Court this afternoon, after he wrote on Facebook: “Every man and their dog should be smashing f*** out Britannia Hotel.”
Read more here:
Police remains on high alert this weekend amid riots
04:25
Arpan Rai
Keir Starmer has insisted the police will remain on high alert this weekend, which marks the beginning of the professional soccer season. “My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert,” Starmer said on Friday while visiting the special operations room of London‘s Metropolitan Police Service.
Authorities have been studying whether there is a link between the rioters and groups of “football hooligans” known to incite trouble at soccer matches.The National Police Chiefs’ Council said some 741 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, including 304 who have been charged with criminal offenses.
Courts around the country have already begun hearing the cases of those charged in relation to the unrest, with some receiving sentences of three years in prison.Starmer has said he is convinced that the “swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts” will discourage rioters from returning to the streets this weekend.
King Charles III applauds people who stood against racism during unrest
04:12
Arpan Rai
King Charles III applauded people who took to the streets of British towns and cities earlier this week to help blunt days of unrest fueled by far-right activists and misinformation about a stabbing attack that killed three girls.Charles held telephone audiences with prime minister Keir Starmer and law enforcement officials during which he offered his “heartfelt thanks” to police and other emergency workers for their efforts to restore order and help those affected by the violence, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.“The king shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many,” the palace said. “It remains his majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.”Thousands of anti-racism campaigners turned out in communities throughout Britain to counter any resurgence of violence on Saturday. Police remained on alert for further unrest after the nation was convulsed by rioting for more than a week as crowds spouting anti-immigrant and Islamophobic slogans attacked mosques, looted shops and clashed with police.
Hundreds gather in Scottish cities to protest against racism
04:00
Tara Cobham
Hundreds of anti-racism demonstrators have gathered at rallies in Edinburgh and Glasgow after violent disorder erupted elsewhere in the UK.
The civil unrest came after the killing of three young girls in Southport, after which disinformation was spread about the suspect on social media.
The campaign group Stand Up To Racism Scotland (SUTRS) organised counter-protests outside Holyrood in Edinburgh and in George Square in Glasgow on Saturday.
Demonstrators carried placards and banners displaying slogans such as “No to racism” and “Refugees welcome: Stop the far right”.
One campaigner posted on X along with a video capturing the large crowd in George Square: “This is Glasgow. Sending a LOUD and CLEAR message to the FAR RIGHT. These are OUR STREETS.”
Other videos posted online showed a man holding a sign reading: “Asylum Frauds Out” was met with chants of “Refugees are welcome here” and led to him leaving amid outbreaks of cheers and applause.
The demonstrations follow similar counter-protests in Bathgate and Paisley on Friday, which were the first to be held in Scotland following riots across parts of England.
Starmer scraps holiday to focus on response to riots
03:50
Arpan Rai
Keir Starmer has cancelled a planned holiday to focus on his government’s response to a series of racist riots that targeted Muslims and migrants, a Downing Street source told Reuters.
Thousands of police officers remained on duty over the weekend in case violence flared again although for a fourth day in a row yesterday counter-protesters far outnumbered anti-migration demonstrators in several towns and cities.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Starmer would no longer be going on holiday next week.
His government has moved quickly to speed up the processing of people arrested and charged in relation to the riots.
On Friday, officials said 741 arrests had been made since the unrest broke out and 302 people had been charged.
Police have said arrests are likely to continue for months.
Watch: Rioter uses brick to break into Plymouth Tesco ahead of looting
03:00
Tara Cobham
Boy, 16, who stole £19,000 worth of vapes among those in court
02:00
Tara Cobham
A teenager has pleaded guilty to stealing £19,000 worth of vapes as a man admitted taking knuckledusters to a protest in the latest line of thugs arrested over far-right violence that swept the country last week.
The 16-year-old admitted the theft of the vapes as Liverpool was engulfed by riots following a stabbing attack in Southport that left three young girls dead.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, used an electric scooter to smash the window of a shop before stealing £15,000 worth of disposable e-cigarettes on 3 August, Sky News reported.
Alexander Butler reports:
Detectives investigating disorder in Whitehall release images of two men in fresh appeal
01:00
Tara Cobham
Detectives investigating the violent disorder that broke out in Whitehall on 31 July have released images of two men in a fresh appeal.
The Metropolitan Police said more than 100 arrests were made on the night and in the week since, with a huge amount of footage and other evidence reviewed in efforts to identify other suspects.
Anyone who recognises the men is urged to call the force on 101, to message @MetCC on X, or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Anyone calling or messaging should provide the reference 3414/10AUG and the number on the image.
Thousands of anti-racism protesters demonstrate outside Reform UK headquarters
Sunday 11 August 2024 00:00
Tara Cobham
Thousands of anti-racism protesters have gathered outside Reform UK’s headquarters with some accusing party leader Nigel Farage of spreading “dangerous rhetoric”.
Demonstrators joined Stand up to Racism’s gathering which met outside the party’s headquarters in Victoria, central London, chanting in support of refugees before marching through Whitehall and towards Trafalgar Square to listen to speeches from activists.
Organisers said the turnout of about 5,000 people showed the depth of support for refugees and other minority groups targeted in recent disorder, amid fears of further violence this weekend.
Jacob Freedland reports:
Police injured as petrol bombs and fireworks thrown during disorder in Derry
Saturday 10 August 2024 23:44
Tara Cobham
A number of police officers have been injured after petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry were thrown during disorder in Londonderry.
Police said they are liaising with community representatives to prevent further escalation after disorder erupted in Nailors Row.
The PSNI appealed to parents and guardians to take their children home.
They warned that the disorder is presenting a “serious risk” to the safety of residents in the area.
Met release statement over claims GB News crew was ‘attacked’ at counter-protest
Saturday 10 August 2024 23:38
Tara Cobham
Police have released a statement over a GB News reporter’s claim his broadcast had been interrupted after a demonstrator “attacked” one of the crew as protesters marched down Whitehall.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday evening, the Metropolitan Police said: “A video has been shared online showing an incident involving a GB News camera crew and a protester in Whitehall earlier today.
“It is important that the press are able to report freely, including at protests, without being subject to harassment, abuse or intimidation.
“The footage released appears to show a protester trying to obstruct a GB News camera crew as they reported, by putting his hand up to the lens.
“As he does so, a man who was working as security for the camera crew intervenes and pushes him away.
“Officers moved in quickly to prevent any further escalation. No allegations were made at the time and both parties went their separate ways.
“We have confirmed with GB News that they do not wish to take the matter further.”
Officers said no arrests had been made.
A video has been shared online showing an incident involving a GB News camera crew and a protester in Whitehall earlier today.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 10, 2024
Below is a short statement on the incident pic.twitter.com/xbul84oY67
Detectives investigating Merseyside riots issue new images in appeal for eight more people
Saturday 10 August 2024 23:00
Tara Cobham
Detectives investigating the riots that erupted in Merseyside have issued new images in an appeal for eight more people.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: "These eight males need to make themselves known as soon as possible, as we think they could assist our ongoing investigations into the incidents of disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
"The violence and damage caused last week and at the weekend was despicable, and each and every person who took part can expect to face the consequences of their actions.
"We are still working through hours of footage and reams of images as it comes in and we’ll continue to arrest, charge and put before the courts anyone identified.
"We have so far seen 52 people arrested, 26 charged and eight jailed. There will be more to follow in the coming days, and many people who have not yet had a visit from our officers can expect one soon.
"The courts have acted swiftly to jail those people who bring violence, racism and hatred into our communities and that will continue into next week.
"To anyone intent on bringing violence and disorder to Merseyside in the future: don’t. You will join the ever-growing list of people convicted and jailed for bringing violent disorder to our streets."
If you recognise any of the people pictured, contact us @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000663787.
Thousands turn out at anti-racist counter-protests held across UK
Saturday 10 August 2024 22:01
Tara Cobham
Thousands of people have responded to a rallying cry to “stop the far-right”, turning out at anti-racist counter-protests being held across the UK for a national day of protest.
Anti-fascist group Stand Up to Racism said more than 50 demonstrations took place on Saturday, with huge crowds gathering in towns and cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
Police were braced for further violence ahead of the weekend, following more than a week of nationwide riots – but the far-right ended up being outnumbered by anti-racists everywhere, or not appearing at all, according to the organisation.
In the capital, as many as 5,000 anti-racist protesters assembled outside Reform UK’s London office to accuse the party’s leader Nigel Farage of “inciting fascist rioters”, before marching on Whitehall in support of refugees.
Stand Up to Racism reported that hundreds, if not thousands, also gathered in many more towns and cities across the UK, including in the Scottish capital, Cambridge, Glasgow, Exeter, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hastings, Oxford, Manchester, and other areas of London – bringing the total number of anti-racist demonstrators potentially to the tens of thousands.
Justice system will feel long-term fallout from riots, says Justice Secretary
Saturday 10 August 2024 22:00
Tara Cobham
The impact of days of disorder will be “felt for months and years” in the criminal justice system, the Justice Secretary has said.
Shabana Mahmood said the riots will set back the new Labour Government’s efforts to fix the justice system, which was already facing a massive backlog of court cases and dwindling space in prisons.
The Ministry of Justice has risen to the challenge of “bringing rapid charges against these thugs and hooligans”, including by bringing forward more than 500 prison places to make sure there is space for those the courts are sending to custody, Ms Mahmood wrote in The Observer.
Helen Corbett reports:
Two men charged with violent disorder after protest in Aldershot
Saturday 10 August 2024 21:20
Tara Cobham
Two men have been charged with violent disorder after a protest in Aldershot, Hampshire Police said.
Officers were called to the demonstration outside the Potters International Hotel on July 31.
A police spokesman said that while the majority of people gathered in a peaceful manner, some disorder was reported and one officer suffered a minor injury.
On Saturday, Jamie Lee Turvey, 34, of Montgomery Road, Farnborough, and Alby Brannan, 18, of Winchester Road, Ash, were charged with violent disorder.
They will appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday August 13.
Five other men who were charged with violent disorder on Friday will also appear in court on Tuesday: Joe Howell, 19, of Bareham Drive, Ash; Kieron Marney, 25, of Fairview Road, Ash; Perrie Fisher, 28, of Hillside Road, Farnham; Cameron Bowling, 40, of Broadhurst, Farnborough; and Clive Patfield, 60, of The Chantrys, Farnham.
Howell was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker.
Starmer scraps family holiday as Government focuses on response to riots
Saturday 10 August 2024 20:05
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled his holiday plans as the Government continues to focus on its response to days of unrest.
The Prime Minister had been expected to set off on a summer break to Europe this weekend with his family.
But he will work from Number 10 and Chequers this weekend and next week, the PA news agency understands.
On Friday, Sir Keir reiterated that police should remain on “high alert” this weekend.
He told broadcasters a ramped-up police response after days of disorder and swiftly moving cases through the courts had had an impact, but his message was to stay on “high alert” to “make sure our communities are safe and secure and feel safe and secure”.
GB News reporter claims broadcast interrupted after demonstrator ‘attacked’ crew
Saturday 10 August 2024 19:15
Tara Cobham
As protesters marched down Whitehall on Saturday, a GB News reporter said his broadcast had been interrupted after a demonstrator “attacked” one of the crew.
Charlie Peters, who said he had been reporting on the “mostly peaceful” protest since it started, told PA: “As we approached Downing Street one of the protesters recognised us as GB News and people started chanting ‘GB News off our streets’.
“One man got close and started gesticulating towards the camera while we were filming and tried to stop us broadcasting. In doing so, he then attacked one of my colleagues.
“It’s a shame that journalists have to have security arrangements while broadcasting in central London.”
A man was briefly removed from the march by police.
Officers said no arrests had been made.
Protest in Newcastle ‘was peaceful and passed without incident’, says police
Saturday 10 August 2024 18:30
Tara Cobham
A protest in Newcastle “was peaceful and passed without incident”, Northumbria Police said.
Officers from Northumbria and other forces flooded the streets of Newcastle and Chief Superintendent Steve Wykes, who has been in charge of the police response to recent disorder, thanked communities, partners and the officers who kept the streets safe.
“Ensuring the safety of the public is our utmost priority and we had an increased presence in Newcastle city centre today, and across the region, to deliver a proportionate response to protest activity taking place.
“Thankfully, the activity was peaceful and passed without incident and we thank everyone who visited Newcastle today either to attend the football events, protest peacefully, or enjoy the city.
“There were no scenes of violence and disorder, although 14 people were arrested for a range of offences including possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a class B drug and failure to comply with some of the orders which have been in place today.
“No individuals were arrested for disorder or violent offences.”
Ch Supt Wykes added: “This week, our region has spoken – we will not tolerate the disgraceful disorder seen over the last week by a minority whose only aim is create division.”
The force said the number of arrests in connection with protest activity since disorder in Sunderland on August 2 now stands at 41, with 14 charged and 11 already convicted in court.
The Tories’ response to the riots is exposing just how irrelevant they have become
Saturday 10 August 2024 18:00
Tara Cobham
How would the Conservatives have handled the violent disorder if Rishi Sunak had not called the election, and they were still in charge?
On tough policing and sentencing, I think they would have done the same as the Labour government. Instead of Keir Starmer’s useful unique selling point as a former director of public prosecutions, Sunak’s would have been as Britain’s first British Asian prime minister. Perhaps there might have been some Islamophobic noises made in a party which hasn’t eradicated it, but not from his government.
The words Sunak used to condemn the riots could have been uttered by Starmer, continuing the remarkable consensus between them on many issues since their bitter election clashes. Some senior Tories admit privately Starmer has handled his first crisis well and looked prime ministerial. Not the official line, of course.
Andrew Grice writes:
Another person charged over Southport and Liverpool disorder bringing total to 26
Saturday 10 August 2024 17:25
Tara Cobham
A 26th person has been charged in connection with disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
Oliver Maddocks, 21, from St Luke’s Road, Southport, was charged with violent disorder and burglary on July 30.
He has been remanded to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court at 9.45am on Monday.
Up to 15,000 people take part in anti-racism rally in Belfast
Saturday 10 August 2024 17:24
Tara Cobham
Up to 15,000 people have taken part in an anti-racism rally in Belfast, following a week of rioting and disorder in the city.
Saturday’s protest started at Writer’s Square, where a huge crowd assembled, many holding placards with anti-racism and pro-migrant messages.
Organised by the United Against Racism group, the protesters made their way to City Hall in Belfast, chanting “When migrants’ rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back”.
Cate McCurry reports:
Thousands of anti-racism protesters march on Whitehall in support of refugees
Saturday 10 August 2024 17:22
Tara Cobham
Thousands of anti-racism protesters have been marching on Whitehall in support of refugees.
The march, which assembled at 2.30pm outside Reform UK’s headquarters in Victoria, central London, was organised by Stand up to Racism.
Stewards from the group estimated that around 2,500 people turned out for the march.
Protesters chanted “refugees are welcome here” and listened to speeches outside the party’s headquarters before walking on Whitehall around 4pm.
Anti-racism protesters then gathered in Trafalgar Square to hear speeches.
Speakers condemned X boss Elon Musk and accused Reform UK Nigel Farage of “spreading racism”.
One speaker from Stand up to Racism, which organised the event, said: “After being outnumbered, we turned it around this week.”
More than 770 people now arrested and almost 350 charged over rioting, says NPCC
Saturday 10 August 2024 16:14
Tara Cobham
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 779 people have now been arrested over rioting, of whom 349 were charged.
The NPCC said specialist officers have been tasked with pursuing suspected online offenders and so-called influencers, who they say are responsible for “spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale”.
Across the country, teams are investigating “hundreds of leads”, as suspected rioters were continuing to appear in court on Saturday.
The NPCC’s serious and organised crime team is working with Counter Terrorism Policing and other national agencies to review content across a range of social media sites and platforms.
Online content will be assessed by a senior investigator to determine if it meets the criminal threshold and offenders will then be identified, arrested and charged.
Chief Constable Chris Haward, the NPCC lead for serious and organised crime, said inciting violence and encouraging mass disorder are “incredibly serious offences”.
He went on: “But this abhorrent activity didn’t happen by itself. Large crowds and gatherings didn’t mobilise spontaneously. It was the result of dozens of so-called influencers, exploiting the outpouring of grief from the tragic loss of three young girls in Southport. They knowingly spread misinformation, stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence from the comfort of their own homes, causing chaos on other people’s doorsteps.”
He said specialist officers are monitoring content and “working at pace” to identify offenders, adding: “Online crimes have real world consequences and you will be dealt with in the same way as those physically present and inflicting the violence.”
Watch: Starmer tells police ‘to remain on high alert’ ahead of expected riots over weekend
Saturday 10 August 2024 16:07
Tara Cobham
In pictures: Huge crowds protest outside Nigel Farage’s Reform UK office
Saturday 10 August 2024 15:53
Tara Cobham
