Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators took to the streets across England on Wednesday, forming human shields to protect asylum centres from potential far-right unrest. This massive show of solidarity came just nine days after the country was rocked by the tragic stabbing of three girls in Merseyside and the subsequent rioting.

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Holding signs reading “Refugees Welcome” and “Reject Racism, Try Therapy,” protesters gathered in towns and cities including Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, and London. Despite fears of violence, the scenes were largely peaceful, with counter-protesters significantly outnumbering far-right demonstrators.

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In response to over 100 planned far-right rallies, police staged their largest mobilisation since the 2011 riots. A total of 6,000 riot-trained officers were deployed across England and Wales, ready to tackle any potential disorder. The high street shops were boarded up, lawyers’ offices shut down, and GP practices closed early as 41 out of 43 local police forces braced for unrest. MPs were even advised to consider working from home due to safety concerns.

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The protests were sparked after immigration law firms and refugee centres were listed as potential targets in a far-right chat group on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. However, rather than chaos, what emerged were scenes of unity and protection.

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In Liverpool, at 7 pm, hundreds of people gathered to form a human shield outside a church that houses an immigration advice centre. Women in the crowd held banners declaring: “Nans Against Nazis.” Similar scenes unfolded in east London’s Hackney and Walthamstow, as well as Finchley in the north of the capital. Local residents and anti-fascist activists stood together, displaying signs that read, “We Are One Human Race” and “Unite Against Hate.”

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This coordinated effort by communities across England was a powerful response to the rising far-right activity. By coming together, the protesters sent a clear message of resistance against racism and a strong show of support for vulnerable asylum seekers.

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