Thousands of people took to Britain’s streets on Wednesday in a show of solidarity following days of unrest fueled by far-right agitators and online disinformation.
The riots had been triggered by the killing of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe in Southport on 29 July.
However rumours of further far-right action largely failed to materialise. Instead, people turned out in droves in a counter-protest against intolerance. In Liverpool, hundreds showed up to defend an asylum centre. Birmingham staged a ‘refugees welcome’ rally, while in Brighton crowds were entertained by a samba band.
The largely peaceful atmosphere was repeated in cities including London, Newcastle, Oxford and Northampton. Placards seen among the crowds included ‘Good vibes only’, ‘Love and unity’ and ‘Immigrants welcome’.
Georgia Bondy, who is black and lives in Walthamstow, London, told Positive News the show of unity in her neighbourhood had reduced her to tears. “People showed up for us. After a very dark day I feel light and grateful. For once, I am hopeful.”
Large-scale unrest in Britain on Wednesday failed to materialise, instead a counter-protest urging tolerance unfolded. Image credit: Katie Moum
