Locations Affected: United Kingdom
What:
Violent protests by far-right groups have occurred across the United Kingdom, with most protests happening in England. Cities affected by the violence include Belfast, Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Cardiff. More than 400 people have been arrested in relation to the riots, and 100 have been charged.
Why:
The riots occurred over the stabbing attack in Southport on 29 July that caused the death of three young girls. Disinformation on social media claiming that the suspect was a Muslim immigrant rapidly spread and instigated far-right groups to protest against immigration.
So What:
- Clashes between far-right groups and police occurred in multiple towns. The rioters targeted mosques and businesses owned by the minority community. Rioters attempted to set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers in Tamworth and Rotherham on 04 August.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer held an emergency meeting of ministers, senior officials, and prison chiefs on 05 August to discuss steps to quell the protests. The government has mobilized around 6,000 specialist police officers to prevent escalations and disorders.
- Police warned of potential unrest due to more than 100 far-right rallies planned on 07 August. In response, thousands of anti-racism protestors gathered outside immigration centres across multiple cities, including London, Liverpool, and Bristol, to guard them from being targeted. Clashes between the two opposing groups occurred in Aldershot and Blackpool.
- Many shops in Manchester, Birmingham, Aldershot, and Westcliff-on Sea were closed on 07 August due to potential protests.
- Several countries have issued safety warnings for citizens in the United Kingdom and those intending to travel there, including India, China, Nigeria, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/7/mapping-far-right-riots-in-the-uk
Outlook:
The riots have renewed concerns regarding the increasing anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiment in the country. The government has condemned high-profile people known for their far-right views, like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, for increasing tensions through social media posts. According to police authorities, the situation is expected to be calm in the upcoming days, with some protests expected on 10/11 August. Heightened security measures are expected to continue and can lead to restrictions on movement and travel disruptions. It is advised to avoid high-risk areas that have witnessed violence. Organizations are advised to remain abreast of the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans.
