Demonstrations and Counter-Protests Intensify in Cities Including Manchester, Portsmouth, and Hull Following the Southport Stabbings

This weekend has seen a wave of protests and counter-protests across the UK, all sparked by the recent tragedy in Southport.

In cities like Manchester, Belfast, Portsmouth, Hull, Stoke, and Leeds, groups are clashing in the streets.

Over 35 demonstrations are planned for the weekend, with a mix of ‘Enough is Enough’ rallies and counter-protests from organizations like Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism. Today alone, there are 24 rallies happening, including 22 ‘Enough is Enough’ protests, one anti-racist protest, and a peaceful vigil.

The largest gatherings are in Manchester, where around 500 people have been protesting since 9 a.m., as well as in Portsmouth, Hull, Stoke, and Leeds. The unrest is a reaction to the tragic stabbings in Southport, where three young girls—Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar—were killed. This tragedy has fueled widespread unrest, with riots erupting in cities including London and Hartlepool.

The chaos has been exacerbated by misinformation circulating online about the suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, who is of Rwandan descent. Efforts to quell the unrest included naming Rudakubana as the suspect to try to control the situation.

Despite appeals from locals, including Elsie’s mother, to stop the violence, the disturbances have continued unabated.

In Manchester, counter-protesters gathered at Piccadilly Gardens early this morning. By late morning, tensions rose as protesters arrived in balaclavas and waving England flags. Police had to separate the anti-immigration protesters, who were chanting Tommy Robinson’s name, from the counter-rally organized by anti-hate groups.

Two arrests were made—one for being drunk and disorderly, and another for storming the counter-demonstrators.

Greater Manchester Police issued a Section 34 dispersal order to manage the situation, which allows them to force people to leave if they are engaging in or suspected of anti-social behavior.

Officers, including mounted police, were seen containing the demonstrators, many of whom were masked or disguised. The clashes included chants of ‘Nazi scum off our streets’ and ‘Tommy Robinson,’ highlighting the deep divisions between the groups.

In Belfast, tensions were high with Land Rovers deployed to keep anti-Islam protests separate from counter-protests.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that fireworks were thrown at officers, and there were calls on social media for protests to block roads using women and children. The PSNI has been working to ensure safety and manage the various demonstrations.

Portsmouth saw a small but intense protest at Guildhall, where participants carried England and Union flags. No incidents were reported, but there was a notable presence of conspiracy-themed signs.

In Hull, protesters gathered at Victoria Square, leading to road closures on Ferensway and warnings from the police to avoid the area.

Stoke-on-Trent and Leeds

In Stoke-on-Trent, locals were warned about the protests around Hanley Town Hall. Social media advised people to avoid the area and stay safe, especially as bus routes were diverted. In Leeds, a pro-Palestine counter-protest emerged in response to a planned march by Tommy Robinson’s supporters.

The clashes were significant enough to prompt Leeds Art Gallery to close its doors for safety.

Political Reactions and Future Outlook

The unrest is drawing attention from political figures, with Tory leadership hopefuls Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel condemning the violence. Jenrick suggested considering a ban on the English Defence League (EDL), while Patel criticized the government’s response as insufficient.

Sunderland Central Labour MP Lewis Atkinson linked the violence to the EDL’s lingering influence, noting that the far right is still active.

Conclusion

The UK is facing a challenging moment with these widespread protests and counter-protests. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on managing the unrest and addressing the root causes of the divisions fueling this turmoil.

TDPel Media

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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