Local authorities and police have praised the community spirit of counter-protestors who gathered across England yesterday following recent violent disorder.
Thousands gathered in large anti-racism protests last night in towns and cities including Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Brighton, and Waltham Forest and Finchley in north London.
Police were on duty in anticipation of further rioting organised by the far-right but the rampant disorder seen over the past week did not materialise.
In Newcastle, ‘thousands of residents, of all religions, ethnicities and backgrounds, stood side-by-side to peacefully call for an end to violence and division’, the council leader said.
Councillor Nick Kemp added that he had spent much of yesterday engaging with worried communities, ‘but the great Geordie spirit triumphed and we demonstrated exactly what we are all about’.
In Waltham Forest, deputy council leader Clyde Loakes said counter-protestors had shown ‘the true spirit’ of the borough.
Councillor Loakes added: ‘We are relieved those that threatened to bring trouble to our borough did not come to a place where they are not welcome, and that the evening passed without any violence or disorder.’
About 2,000 people took part in a peaceful protest in Brighton with no incidents or arrests, Sussex Police said.
Assistant chief constable Paul Court said: ‘We would like to thank communities for their support, engagement and providing information to help us keep communities safe.’
