Thousands of counter-protesters filled Bristol’s streets, chanting “our streets” as police filmed the peaceful demonstrations. Large crowds gathered along West Street, near boarded-up shops and an immigration centre. A man with a megaphone led the chants, shouting “say it loud, say it clear” with the crowd responding, “refugees are welcome here”. He also prompted the call-and-response of “whose street?” with the crowd replying “our street”. Attendees held placards reading “refugees are welcome” and “fascists go home”, while several Palestinian flags were seen waving.
Thousands turn out in Liverpool to stand against racism.
All across the country.
From Newcastle to Liverpool, to Bristol, to London, to Brighton.
People are saying:
No to racism
No to violence
Yes to unity.The racists cannot win.
They will not win.pic.twitter.com/vbVuGATeFf— Howard Beckett (@BeckettUnite) August 7, 2024
Police identified a bald white man with head tattoos, who assured them, “You don’t have to worry about me,” before officers escorted him away. Other officers recorded the scene from a tripod, and a drone flew overhead. A man, choosing to remain anonymous, stood outside his business with 200 bottles of water, explaining, “We spent eight hours boarding up the shops on this street. The water is for hydration.”
These. THESE are ordinary people with legitimate concerns.
Bristol, Liverpool, Walthamstow, Oxford, Newcastle, anti racists came out up & down the country – legends every single one of you❤️ #r4today pic.twitter.com/X3Nd6so7X5
— Zoe Gardner (@ZoeJardiniere) August 8, 2024
Police chiefs have assured Old Market and Easton communities they will “not tolerate any behaviour which attempts to divide our communities.” A Section 34 dispersal zone is now active, and Avon and Somerset Police have enhanced stop and search powers under Section 60 and Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
In Walthamstow, over 100 counter-protesters, including some with placards, gathered amid tense scenes near the central train station. Groups of Asian men, some masked, assembled near the immigration bureau, amid rumours of a far-right march. The counter-protesters, holding placards saying “stop the far right” and “refugees welcome,” gathered on Hoe Street opposite the immigration bureau. Residents Jenny Edwards, 33, a psychologist, and Stuart Waugh, 31, a doctor, were among them. Jenny stated, “We’re here to oppose racists. They’re not welcome here.”