UK police face fresh wave of anti-immigration unrest

Several cities have witnessed anti-immigration protests, mostly outside asylum accommodation centers, fueled by a surge in racist rhetoric.

According to The Guardian, demonstrations took place yesterday in Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Horley in Surrey, and Canary Wharf in central London. Similar protests were also held in Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland, and Mold in Flintshire, Wales.

The unrest was met with counter-demonstrations organized by the “Stand Up to Racism” movement in Bristol, Cannock, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wakefield, Horley, and Long Eaton in Derbyshire. Anti-immigration groups insulted and attacked participants in these anti-racism rallies.

In Bristol, clashes between protesters opposing migrants and asylum seekers in accommodation centers and pro-migrant rights activists led to police intervention. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed one arrest there, while the number of arrests in Liverpool rose to 11.

Tensions over the use of accommodation centers to house migrants and asylum seekers have become a flashpoint across the UK in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, The Independent reported that the British government, following the new wave of anti-immigration protests, has pledged to accelerate deportations. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that “completely unacceptable delays” in appeal processes have left migrants and asylum seekers stuck in the system for years, and promised faster removals.

Separately, a UK official said the government will challenge a Supreme Court ruling blocking the housing of asylum seekers in certain accommodations.

According to reports, anti-immigration protests are set to continue today across the UK, including in London. Police are preparing for a tense weekend, as rising disputes over housing migrants spark fresh demonstrations outside 26 accommodation centers. Anti-immigration groups began their protests on Friday.