Britain Faces Unprecedented Anti-Racism Protests Amid Far-Right Threats

The streets of Britain saw significant anti-racism protests as fears of far-right demonstrations prompted police deployment. Riots erupted after false accusations against an Islamist migrant led to violent attacks on Muslims and migrants. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warns of strict legal actions against disorderly conduct.

Thousands of police officers and anti-racism demonstrators gathered across Britain on Wednesday to counter the anticipated presence of far-right groups, which ultimately did not materialize, following more than a week of violent attacks targeting Muslims and migrants.

The unrest began last week after three young girls were killed in Southport, northwest England, leading to a wave of false online messages identifying the suspect as an Islamist migrant. These claims led far-right, anti-Muslim groups to announce plans to target immigration and migrant support centers, causing businesses to close early and some shops to board up windows.

Crowds of diverse protesters from various groups, including Muslims, anti-racists, anti-fascists, trade unionists, and local residents, took to the streets in cities like London, Bristol, and Birmingham, holding banners with messages such as "Fight racism" and "Stop the far right." By late evening, no serious disturbances were reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)