Unity Prevails: British Anti-Racism Campaigners Counter Far-Right Threats with Peaceful Protests

British anti-racism campaigners took to the streets in large numbers to counter far-right demonstrations. Supported by a massive police presence, they protected asylum service centers and immigration offices. Despite some arrests, the protests were largely peaceful. The government pledged strict actions against those inciting violence, including harsh sentences and potential bans for rioters.

British anti-racism campaigners filled the streets of towns and cities across the country, and police put on a massive show of force to largely stifle a threatened wave of far-right demonstrations.

Carrying signs saying "Refugees Welcome" and chanting "Who's streets? Our streets," people turned out in force on Wednesday to protect asylum service centers and the offices of immigration attorneys that had been listed as potential targets for hard-right attacks.

The government also declared a national critical incident, putting 6,000 specially trained police on standby to respond to any disorder. Police reported that protests and counter-protests were largely peaceful, though a small number of arrests were made.

(With inputs from agencies.)