Today in Liverpool, nearly a dozen individuals were arrested following clashes between UKIP supporters and counter-protesters. The demonstrations centered around the housing of asylum seekers in hotels within Merseyside. Police confirmed that the eleven arrests were for offenses including public order violations, assault, being drunk and disorderly, and affray.
UKIP initiated its march around 1:20 pm. However, due to significant disruption to the community, law enforcement invoked public order legislation and directed the march back to St George’s Hall. UKIP protesters had gathered outside St George’s Hall from approximately 11 am on Saturday, as part of what they described on social media as a "mass-deportations tour." Counter-demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism were also present in the city center. The opposing groups engaged in chanting, displayed banners, and waved flags. A substantial police presence was deployed to maintain separation between the groups.
Merseyside Police issued a statement confirming that the majority of protesters had acted lawfully. However, officers made the difficult decision to utilize Section 12 of the Public Order Act (1986). Superintendent Karl Baldwin stated that a large police presence was in place to ensure the safety of all participants and the wider public. He emphasized that acts of criminality or anti-social behavior would not be tolerated. The decision to redirect the march was made due to evidence of serious disruption to the community, one of the limited reasons for applying such conditions. The police aim to balance the right to protest with maintaining peace and ensuring public safety.
Additionally, three arrests were made in Horley, Surrey, during protests outside the Sheraton Four Points hotel this morning. Two were for breach of the peace, and one was for violating the conditions of a community protection notice. In Bristol, where police also intervened to separate the opposing groups, one woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. Protests have been scheduled across the UK this weekend to oppose the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. Anti-migration groups and counter-protestors have planned to attend 26 demonstrations outside hotels.
5 Comments
Fuerza
Democracy is about voicing concerns, even when they're controversial. Kudos to those involved.
Manolo Noriega
The police are doing well to maintain peace while allowing people to voice their opinions.
Fuerza
More protests should be held in support of asylum seekers! UKIP is on the wrong side of history.
Ongania
It's good to see people passionate about their beliefs, even if I don't agree with them all.
Fuerza
How can anyone support a group that encourages discrimination? It's 2023, not the dark ages.