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‘We must unite against the far-right’s racism, Islamophobia and violence’
People across Bristol have praised the actions of counter-protesters who mobilised against an anti-immigration rally.
After 16 arrests were made following Saturday’s violence, Avon & Somerset police and crime commissioner Clare Moody said that “this behaviour is not protest. It is not an expression of legitimate concern. It is criminal.”
Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer said “our work now is to unite… to support those who feel unsafe and targeted by this hatred, and to build that unity against the far-right’s racism, Islamophobia and violence”.
is needed now More than ever
Questions must be asked why it took so long for police to arrive at the Mercure on Redcliff Hill which houses asylum seekers – photo: Martin Booth
A major question from Saturday is why it took police so long to arrive at the Mercure hotel when anti-immigration protesters had earlier said that was their destination.
Extra police had come to Bristol from across the South West in a mutual aid operation but only six officers on bicycles and two police liaison officers were at the hotel on Redcliff Street housing asylum seekers as anti-immigration protesters arrived.
Green Party councillors were on the scene as a human chain of counter-protesters held firm by linking arms in front of the hotel’s front door.
There was fighting for around ten minutes until police reinforcements on horseback and in vans finally arrived, and order was restored.
On Sunday morning, people returned to outside the Mercure to help clean up the broken glass and other rubbish.
A line of police separate counter-protesters and anti-immigration protesters near Bristol Bridge – photo: Rob Browne
Here are some reactions to the event of Saturday night from across the city:
Carla Denyer, Bristol Central MP
“I am appalled by what has taken place in cities across the UK this weekend. We have seen racists terrorising local communities, raiding shops owned by people of colour, and what look terrifyingly like attempted lynch mobs.
“The racist protesters have been chanting ‘stop the boats’. We all know where this poisonous rhetoric has come from.
“This MUST be a wake-up call to all politicians who have actively promoted or given in to the rhetoric of immigration being a threat to this country.
“My home city of Bristol is a proudly diverse and welcoming city. The hatred and organised political violence of those who came to intimidate our communities has no place here and we stand proudly against Islamophobia, racism and all forms of hate.
“I thank the police for their efforts to contain those intent on violence and maintain safety in the city, and thank those who came out in peaceful support of the UK as a tolerant and welcoming country.
“Our work now is to unite – in Bristol and nationally – to support those who feel unsafe and targeted by this hatred, and to build that unity against the far-right’s racism, Islamophobia and violence.”
Tom Renhard, leader of Bristol’s Labour group
“These far-right protestors do not represent our city.
“They are not here because they are concerned about our city or our communities. They are here for only one reason: to sow division, hate and chaos, with no concern for the damage left behind.
“Hate has no place in Bristol, and we are proud to be a city of sanctuary.
“Diversity is Bristol’s strength and brings us together, we are immensely proud of that. Citizens of our city have far more in common than that which divides us.
“We will remain united against hatred and for a Bristol that is inclusive and welcoming.”
Ani Stafford-Townsend, Green Party councillor for Central ward
“Horrified by events in Bristol yesterday and proud of our city for standing against hate.
“Thank you to the police and massively to the counter protesters who kept calm, stood firm & showed what this city is made of and what we stand for, which is inclusion and sanctuary.”
Adam Tutton, Bristol Rovers Community Trust CEO
“Proud to be a Bristolian born and bred. We won’t stand for that bollocks. We look after each other, all of us.”
Police with dogs as flares were set off in Castle Park – photo: Rob Browne
Clare Moody, Avon & Somerset police and crime commissioner
“Sadly, a small but violent group sought to bring unacceptable disorder and violence to the streets of Bristol last night.
“This behaviour is not protest. It is not an expression of legitimate concern. It is criminal.
“These actions do not represent the values of Bristol or the wider Avon and Somerset area. We are a strong, diverse and vibrant community where people from all walks of life live peacefully alongside one another.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the police officers who have been on the front lines, dealing with these disturbances with professionalism and courage.
“Their dedication to protecting the public and maintaining order is commendable, recognising the distinction between legitimate protest and the criminal behaviours that took place last night.
“These actions will have consequences and I welcome Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper’s commitment to ensure that those involved will face the full force of the law.
“I will also continue to engage with our diverse communities to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported.
“Now is a time for calm and reflection. We must use the actions of the few as a spur to strengthen our commitment to our unity and solidarity with each other.”
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Stephen Williams, Lib Dem councillor and former Bristol West MP
“Bristol is a liberal, progressive and inclusive city that values and celebrates our diversity. Far right racist thugs are not welcome here.
“All city agencies are being vigilant, to keep the peace and protect those at risk.”
Fourteen arrests have been made so far following Saturday’s violence, with more expected – photo: Rob Browne
Andrew Brown, deputy leader of Bristol’s Lib Dem group
“I’ve been for a cycle round town this morning and – aside from piles of horse do – there is little evidence of last night’s events. Well done to those involved in clear up operations.
“Clearly there are things that will need to be learned from the response but for now we can count ourselves fortunate that we haven’t seen the looting, arson, and vandalism that has been visited upon other cities.
“Far right agitators are not welcome in Bristol – their brand of ‘politics’ which seeks to misdirect people’s anger and unhappiness against those who are less fortunate, rather than the systems and policies that entrench inequalities.
“Neither migrants nor any other marginalised group are to blame for deprivation in ‘white working class communities’ – a phrase which in and of itself needs some unpicking.
“Those of us who stand against the far right need to find better ways of countering the rhetoric of their leaders *and those who fuel their fires*
“The likes of Robinson and co thrive on the violence and disruption but it is Farage, Tice and co who really fuel the flames of tension: laundering racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and whatever other prejudice they can leverage, to shift the focus onto the poorest and most marginalised, and away from those with entrenched privilege: themselves.
“They do so with plausible deniability, a nod and a wink, a ‘oh we’re just asking questions’ approach, that suckers far more people than it should – they need called out: by other politicians, commentators, media.”
Mohamed Makawi, Green Party councillor for Cotham
“The attack on Saturday by far-right extremists across England and Northern Ireland targeting the religion of Islam, British Muslim, and all immigrants, including hotels housing refugees and asylum seekers, is a stark reminder of the hatred that persists in our society.
“As a British Muslim and a refugee, I, my family and community are deeply affected by these abhorrent acts.
“Unfortunately, the rhetoric from politicians and the anti-Islam, anti-Muslim and anti-immigration sentiment perpetuated by some main political parties and media outlets are significant factors contributing to the current wave of racism.
“This environment of hostility and prejudice is unacceptable and must be confronted head-on.
“I call on the prime minister and his government to name this threat for what it is, racism and Islamophobia, and to take swift and decisive action against those who seek to divide our communities and society.
“The law must be enforced rigorously against these individuals and groups who aim to spread fear and hatred.
“Bristol is a city for all of us, a place where refugees are welcomed, and diversity is celebrated.
“I am proud of my lovely, diverse city of Bristol, and I believe in the strength and resilience of our community.
“Let us stand together in solidarity, reject the rhetoric of hate, and continue to build a city that is inclusive, welcoming and safe for everyone.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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