Widespread public disorder linked to the far-right failed to materialise on Wednesday night, as instead counter-protesters turned out in their thousands for anti-racism demonstrations.
Walthamstow was particularly busy with the streets packed with an estimated 10,000 anti-fascist demonstrators.
The Met police had hundreds of extra riot police on standby amid fears anti-immigration demonstrations were to take place in at least four locations across the capital, and in many other UK towns and cities.
Police were preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter-protests across the country, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.
But aside from some minor disturbances in Aldershot and Brighton, the expected disorder did not appear to take place.
From around 6.30pm, protesters filled the streets near Walthamstow Central station, blocking off routes to a nearby immigration centre, which it was rumoured would be targeted by the far-right.
#Walthamstow ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WdtxI73lwU
— Alex Gordon #JoinAUnion (@alexgordon4me) August 7, 2024
Thousands of counter-protests chanted, holding signs such as “refugees welcome, stop the far-right” and “EDL off our streets.”
At one stage there were so many people that police vans were removed from the road and two huge groups of protesters were merged together.
Protesters chanted and stood outside shops - many of which had shut early and been boarded-up ahead of the aniticipated disorder on Wednesday - before declaring Walthamstow a “fascist free zone”.
Some climbed on top of rooftops and advertising boards to wave flags and film the enormous crowd.
Large groups chanted: “We are the people. We won’t be silenced. Stop the fascists now, now, now.”
The crowd was told by organisers that 10,000 people had attended the counter-protest.
The large crowd could be seen from at least a mile back, the PA news agency reported.
Similar peaceful demonstrations were held in Finchley, Brentford, and Lewisham, and across the country, in locations including Sheffield, Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, and Liverpool.
On X, supporters shared photos of the huge crowds at the London protests, writing: “Walthamstow said no to racism”, and “this is the London I know and love”.
Counter-protesters held placards, with slogans including ‘refugees welcome, stop the far right’, ‘oppose Tommy Robinson’, and ‘smash racism and fascism’.
North Finchley now! 1,000 already out defending our streets from the far right ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/veujRGBa4C
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) August 7, 2024
Addressing the group in Walthamstow to resounding cheers, organiser Jo Cee, of campaign group Stand Up To Racism, shouted through a loudspeaker: “[The far fight] will not intimidate our Muslim brothers and sisters. We stand united.
“Every single person here tonight should be proud of themselves, because across the country on the televisions people are watching with horror and disgust at the filth that these people are dishing out.
“What you stand for today, what we stand for together, is hope against hatred, is love against division.”
Protesters chanted slogans including “when fascists attack we fight back” and “Nazi scum off our streets”.
Counter-protesters in Walthamstow have told the Standard they “came to use our right to protest and tell our Government we hate fascists”.
Clapton resident Ilka Kemp, 29, added: “I think we have come here because it’s really dark times at the moment. It is really sickening what is happening.”
Her sister Sabbah Kemp, 24, said: “All my non-white friends feel too scared to come and be here. I think it’s important to show solidarity.”
Tom Riley, 29, told the Standard: “I just think the far-right are getting a lot of news coverage at the moment. I think it’s really important to let minority communities know that the majority of people stand with them and they are welcome here.”
Walthamstow resident Hamza Ahmed, 19, has told the Standard he is “concerned” that the far-right would come to his area.
Speaking from Wednesday’s counter-protest, he said: “It was a bit concerning hearing that [far-right demonstrators may come to his local area] but now I have seen the support I don’t feel as concerned anymore.
“I’m hopeful to see people from all races and colours coming and supporting each other.”
Walthamstow said no to racism pic.twitter.com/MuagWDy0dr
— Esheru (@EsheruKwaku) August 7, 2024
Protesters danced in the street outside Walthamstow Central as it became dark on Wednesday night. A large group continued to wave flags and shout Pro-Palestine chants as crowds slowly thinned around 9pm.
Counter-protests were also held in Brentford were pictured holding Stand Up To Racism signs as well as homemade ones bearing slogans including ‘more love, less hate’ and ‘stop pretending your racism is patriotism’.
A man was arrested near to the site of a planned protest in Blackpool.
Meanwhile Northamptonshire Police said three people had been arrested for public order offences in Northampton, and were in custody.
In Aldershot, Hampshire, police officers rushed in to separate opposing groups after tempers flared between two opposing groups.
Protesters holding “Stand Up To Racism” placards had been chanting “refugees are welcome here”.
A group across the road had been chanting back “stop the boats”. Some of them walked towards the Stand Up To Racism group, stopping traffic, and angry shouting began.
Dozens of police officers then rushed onto the road to stop groups from getting too close to each other.
One young man, among those who moved towards the Stand Up To Racism group, was seen being spoken to by two officers.
In Croydon, eight people were arrested after bottles were thrown at police and objects dragged down the road, after around 50 people gathered.
The Met said the disruption was “not linked to protest” and that appeared to be “pure anti-social behaviour”.
In a post on social media, the force said: “Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon.
“They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder.”
Police arrested eight people on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences. More arrests would follow, the force said.
