Thousands protest against xenophobia in Britain
In London, nearly a thousand people gathered outside the headquarters of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Brexit supporter Nigel Farage. Some held signs reading “No to racism, no to hate”.
Similarly, hundreds of people protested against xenophobia in Newcastle, Cardiff in Wales and the Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Jeremy Snelling, a 64-year-old participant in London, told AFP: “I don’t like it when the right takes to the streets in my name. I am for open borders and refugees are a good thing.”
Phoebe Sewell, a 32-year-old Londoner, said it is “very important that immigrants hear us white Brits say: ‘No, we will not tolerate this'”.
The recent wave of xenophobic riots has led to attacks on mosques and refugee shelters.
The violence erupted after a knife attack in the coastal town of Southport, near Liverpool, left three children and eight others injured, as well as two adults. Speculation and misinformation about the background of the suspect, whose family is from Rwanda, quickly spread online.
After a harsh crackdown by the authorities with over 700 arrests, 300 charges and initial prison sentences for the rioters, the situation has calmed down.
The Commission issued a statement condemning the xenophobic attacks and pledging support to the victims. Protesters outside the Commission’s offices also called for stronger measures against hate speech and discrimination.
