Last night, despite some minor disturbances in certain areas, the anticipated disorder did not occur, and the number of anti-racism protesters far exceeded any far-right action. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed gratitude towards those who stood against the far-right, emphasizing unity against racism and Islamophobia.
Stand Up to Racism estimated that around 25,000 individuals participated in the demonstrations, with 8,000 in Walthamstow, 7,000 in Bristol, and 2,000 in Liverpool. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley lauded the evening as successful, attributing it to the strong police presence and the unity displayed by various communities.
Looking ahead, Minister Dame Diana Johnson warned that further riots could erupt in the upcoming days based on intelligence reports. She also suggested imposing bans on rioters attending football matches as a potential consequence for their involvement in disorderly conduct.
Additionally, the minister stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for inciting riots, both physically and online. Over 400 arrests have been made so far, with more expected, and legal repercussions are promised for those who engage in criminal activities, whether on the streets or online.
In light of the counter-demonstrations that took place, Dame Diana Johnson praised the peaceful nature of the protests and emphasized that the majority of people in the UK are law-abiding and respectful of the authorities. She commended the tolerance displayed by the public and their desire for safe communities.
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley condemned the characterization of disorder participants as protesters, emphasizing that many of them have criminal backgrounds. He highlighted the criminal nature of their actions and expressed confidence that they would face charges and imprisonment for their violent behavior.
Despite concerns of far-right violence, only fifteen arrests were made in London on Wednesday night, with most related to incidents of assault, breaching orders, and possession of offensive weapons. Sir Mark Rowley described the night as successful, attributing the outcome to the collaborative efforts of the police and communities.
Overall, the evening was marked by the absence of anticipated far-right disorder, with counter-protesters demonstrating in support of anti-racism causes. The unity displayed by various communities and the strong police presence were credited for maintaining peace and order throughout the night.
