British Police Brace for Another Night of Violence Amid Anti-Immigrant Tensions.
LONDON — British police prepared for another night of unrest on Wednesday, amid concerns that anti-immigration groups planned to target numerous locations across the country. This followed a week of rioting and disorder, fueled by misinformation regarding a stabbing attack against young girls.
Police anticipated more than 100 events, as reported by Britain’s Press Association, citing a law enforcement source. Online chat groups circulated a list of immigration agencies and law firms as potential targets. In London, Bristol, Oxford, and Birmingham, peaceful anti-racism protesters gathered in large numbers, often outnumbering anti-immigrant agitators or preventing counter-protests altogether.
The head of London’s Metropolitan Police Service emphasized the focus on protecting immigration lawyers and services. In addition to thousands of officers already deployed, about 1,300 specialist forces were on standby in London in case of serious trouble. “We’ll protect those people,” said Commissioner Mark Rowley. “It is completely unacceptable, regardless of your political views, to intimidate any sector of lawful activity, and we will not let the immigration asylum system be intimidated.”
Cities and towns have been experiencing riots and looting over the past week. Angry mobs, encouraged by far-right extremists, clashed with police and counter-demonstrators. The unrest began after misinformation spread about a stabbing rampage that killed three girls in Southport. Social media users falsely identified the suspect as an immigrant and a Muslim. Rioters, shouting anti-immigrant slogans, attacked mosques and hotels housing asylum-seekers, instilling fear in Muslim and immigrant communities. There have been reports of violent counterattacks in some areas.
By early Wednesday evening, no trouble had erupted. A couple of hundred supporters of immigrants gathered outside a law office in North Finchley, London, alongside several dozen police officers. The crowd chanted “refugees welcome” and “London against racism,” holding signs such as “Stop the far right,” “Migration is not a crime,” and “Finchley against Fascism.” Outside an immigration center in Walthamstow, east London, a counter-protest leader shouted “fascists gone,” to which hundreds responded: “off our streets.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the disturbances as “far-right thuggery,” rejecting claims that the riots were about government immigration policies. He warned that participants in the violence would “face the full force of the law.” Police have made more than 400 arrests and are considering using counter-terrorism laws to prosecute some rioters. The government has pledged to prosecute those responsible for the disorder, including those who incite violence on social media.
Derek Drummond, 58, was among the first to be sentenced, receiving three years in prison for violent disorder and punching a police officer in Southport on July 30. He was one of three men jailed after their cases were heard Wednesday at Liverpool Crown Court. “The three men sentenced today are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Jonathan Egan, senior district crown prosecutor. “Many involved will be sent to prison for a long time.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan posted on X that the police, city hall, and community leaders were working to protect targeted buildings and places of worship. “I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities scared and fearful, so I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbors and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about,” he said.
In Walthamstow, real estate agents closed storefronts early, and staff were advised to work from home. The Nags Head pub announced on social media that it would not open due to “potential protest.” The local library was also closed. Smaller communities were affected as well. In Westcliff-on-Sea, business owners boarded up shopfronts. Saira Hussain, who runs a small architectural practice, described the unrest as “upsetting.” “I’m a third-generation British Pakistani,” she said. “I was born here, studied here, trade here, and employ people from this country. I bet I’ve contributed much more to this country than any of these people causing trouble.”