Protests erupted across England on Saturday as citizens rallied against the government’s policy of housing alleged asylum seekers in hotels, particularly in light of recent crimes involving illegal migrants. The demonstrations, held under the banner “Abolish Asylum System,” took place in over 30 towns and cities, with local concerns focused on public safety—especially for women and girls.
The protest movement, sparked in Epping after the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl by an Ethiopian migrant, has remained largely peaceful. However, Saturday’s events saw violent clashes, primarily instigated by far-left counter-demonstrators from groups like Stand Up to Racism.
In Bristol, police were forced to draw batons as leftist agitators launched flares and attempted to breach police lines. Mounted officers intervened during the melee at Castle Park. While most arrested individuals were later released without charge, a 37-year-old woman was formally charged with assaulting an emergency worker.
Additional clashes occurred in Liverpool and Horley, with law enforcement attempting to prevent far-left activists from inciting confrontations with the anti-mass migration demonstrators. A total of 15 arrests were made during the day across several cities, including Exeter, Nuneaton, Perth, and Wakefield.
In Stevenage, tensions escalated further when Britons involved in the “raise the colours” movement—displaying the Union Jack and St. George flags—were reportedly targeted in a petrol bomb attack early Saturday morning. The attack came after participants raised national flags in a show of peaceful patriotism.
Despite increasing public concern, left-wing councils continue to push back against these demonstrations. Dorset council leader Nick Ireland labeled the flag-raising “intimidating” and attempted to link it to far-right groups, ignoring the widespread public sentiment driving the movement.
