As far-right riots spread across the UK, communities are hitting the streets in protest, trying to show that hate has no place here. Tens of thousands are marching, chanting, and holding signs. The fight against racism is far from over, and for many, these protests are just another reminder of how much work there is left to do.
1. Brighton
Brighton, often seen as a liberal haven, saw thousands turn out to confront a small group of far-right protesters. With chants of “Reject racism, embrace unity,” the crowd easily overpowered the opposition. Still, as welcoming as Brighton is, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the threat of hate is always lurking, even in the most progressive corners.
2. Plymouth
In Plymouth, hundreds came together under the banner “Plymouth against hate!” The far-right presence was minimal, but the question remains—does this show of unity really make a difference when so many still live in fear of what might happen when the protests are over?
3. Leeds
Leeds saw thousands march with the slogan “Unity over division!” The overwhelming numbers made the far-right look like a minor inconvenience. But while it’s nice to see people coming together, one can’t help but wonder if this unity will last beyond the headlines.
4. Walthamstow
Walthamstow had thousands of anti-racism protesters facing off against a small group of far-right activists. “Fascists gone! Off our streets!” was the chant, but for many non-white residents, the idea of safety is still more of a hope than a reality.
5. Glasgow
Hundreds in Glasgow rallied with the message “Solidarity with refugees!” significantly outnumbering the far-right demonstrators. The turnout was strong, but the truth is, the fear in the immigrant communities isn’t going to disappear just because of one protest.
6. Bristol
In Bristol, 7,000 residents marched through the streets, leaving the far-right’s 100 protesters almost invisible. The chants of “Smash fascism and racism!” were loud and clear, but whether this makes life any safer for those facing daily discrimination is another story.
7. Sheffield
Sheffield saw a significant turnout as thousands proclaimed, “No place for hate!” The far-right presence was barely noticeable in comparison, but as strong as these protests are, they’re not enough to erase the deep-seated fears many still carry.
8. Birmingham
Thousands in Birmingham took to the streets, drowning out the far-right with chants of “Fascist scum out of Brum!” It was a powerful moment, but let’s not kid ourselves—those underlying tensions aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
9. Newcastle
Newcastle’s anti-racism rally drew hundreds, easily outnumbering the far-right protesters. The message was clear: “Newcastle against racism!” But while the numbers were encouraging, the everyday reality for many is still filled with unease.
10. Cardiff
In Cardiff, hundreds stood against the far-right with the message “No hate in our streets!” They outnumbered the opposition, but for many, the fear of encountering racism isn’t something that disappears with a crowd.
11. Liverpool
Thousands in Liverpool gathered outside an asylum center, showing support with signs that read “Refugees are welcome here.” The far-right’s attempt to intimidate was thoroughly quashed, but the long-term safety of these communities remains uncertain.
12. Norwich
Norwich joined the national wave of protests, with hundreds chanting, “No to fascism!” They outnumbered the far-right by a wide margin, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that these protests are only a temporary relief in a much larger struggle.
13. Southampton
Southampton’s protest drew hundreds, outnumbering the far-right with ease. The message “No room for hate!” was clear, but the truth is, there’s still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to making everyone feel safe.
14. Nottingham
Hundreds in Nottingham gathered to shout, “No place for racism!” leaving the far-right with little to say. The turnout was strong, but the real challenge is ensuring that this sentiment translates into real, lasting change.
15. Cambridge
Cambridge’s anti-racism protest saw hundreds take to the streets, making the far-right’s presence seem insignificant. “Cambridge stands united!” was the cry, but for many, unity feels fragile in the face of growing extremism.
16. Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, hundreds of protesters gathered to stand against racism, outnumbering the far-right with ease. The message “Edinburgh against hate!” resonated throughout the city, but the question lingers—what happens when the signs come down?
17. Leicester
Leicester’s diverse community came together, outnumbering the far-right and rallying behind the message “Diversity is our strength!” It’s a hopeful sentiment, but the work required to make it a reality is far from over.
18. Oxford
Oxford’s protest saw hundreds rallying against the far-right, with the chant “Oxford against racism!” echoing through the city. The turnout was impressive, but for those who face discrimination daily, these protests are just one small piece of a much larger puzzle.
19. Belfast
In Belfast, hundreds outnumbered the far-right protesters, with the city’s anti-racism message coming through loud and clear. “Stand up to racism!” was the rallying cry, but the deeper issues of division within the community are far from resolved.
20. Coventry
Coventry’s streets filled with hundreds of protesters chanting “Together for equality!” as they faced off against a smaller group of far-right demonstrators. The numbers were encouraging, but real equality requires more than just a strong turnout.
21. Hastings
Hastings saw a strong turnout as hundreds gathered to protest against the far-right, with the message “Stop the hate!” dominating the event. The far-right presence was minimal, but the underlying tensions within the community remain a significant concern.
The Long Road Ahead
While the turnout in these cities is encouraging, the everyday fears and experiences of non-white communities remind us that the fight against hate is far from over. Protests are just the beginning; the real work is in ensuring that these values of inclusivity and safety take root in every corner of the UK.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Martin Suker.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.