News / protest
Bristol once again shows we are a proudly anti-racist and anti-fascist city
A ragtag group of so-called ‘Bristol Patriots’ were hugely outnumbered by people who truly show that our city is welcoming, kind and tolerant.
A few dozen people marched the few hundred metres from the Cenotaph to College Green on Sunday afternoon where they were promptly surrounded by hundreds of anti-racist and anti-fascist counter-protesters.
The ‘Bristol Patriots’, many of who were carrying the Union Jack and St George’s flags, had called the ‘enough is enough protest’ with a trio of demands: ‘deport all illegals’, ‘get Starmer out’ and ‘we want change’.
is needed now More than ever
Police on foot and on horseback kept the two opposing groups apart, with one police commander later criticising the counter-protesters for not sticking to a legal requirement to use their designated area.
The counter-protesters were meant to gather in a pen on the Quay Street side of the Cenotaph but instead based themselves next to the Neptune statue on the Centre with police then kettling them in and not allowing anyone to leave until the ‘Bristol Patriots’ had gone past.
Speaking to the counter-protesters next to the Neptune statue, Green councillor Lorraine Francis said: “We have a right as Bristolians to stand up against racism.
“It is part of our rights to stand up against people who are creating hate in our city.”
Meanwhile, next to the Cenotaph, the ‘Bristol Patriots’ were chanting “England ’til I die” and singing Rule Britannia.
The ragtag group of so-called ‘Bristol Patriots’ gathered next to the Cenotaph before their short march to College Green – photo: Rob Browne
Soon before 2pm, the ‘Bristol Patriots’ began their march, surrounded by police officers.
Many chanted the name of Tommy Robinson as they walked along St Augustine’s Parade towards College Green but their other chants were drowned out with cries of ‘shame on you’ and ‘Nazi scum, off our streets’ from counter-protesters.
Police estimated there were between 70 and 100 protesters, and 300 to 400 counter-protesters – photo: Rob Browne
Despite police plans, the two groups almost clashed close to the Marriott hotel on College Green but they were able to be kept apart and there then followed a protracted stand-off.
The counter-protesters continued to chant their slogans and the ‘Bristol Patriots’ group slowly dwindled in number until the last few left under a police escort at 4.45pm.
Counter-protesters almost clashed with the ‘Bristol Patriots’ on College Green – photo: Rob Browne
One protester held a half and half Israel and Union Jack flag – photo: Rob Browne
Three people were arrested on suspicion of either assault or public order offences and remained in police custody on Sunday evening.
Avon & Somerset Police inspector John Shaddick said: “While many people exercised their right to peaceful protest, it appears today there were a minority of individuals who were intent on using violence, including against our officers.
“As we made clear beforehand, hate and violence will not be tolerated and investigations will be carried out into all recorded offences.”
‘Fuck off racist shitheads’ – photo: Rob Browne
Shaddick added: “Public order policing is challenging and it is important to respond dynamically to unexpected situations.
“We tried to engage with both protest groups in advance.
“While the protest group shared its plans with us, it is deeply frustrating the counter-protest group has chosen not to engage with us and failed to abide by conditions that were designed to keep the public safe, while allowing both groups the same opportunity to protest.
“The counter-protesters chose not to protest in the advertised zones.
“As a result officers positioned themselves in such a way at the Cenotaph and College Green as to allow them to still protest, but so it did not adversely impact on the protest group or the traffic situation in Bristol.
“An operational decision was made to show flexibility today because we felt we could still enable both groups the opportunity for peaceful protest.”
‘Stop the boats’ – photo: Rob Browne
‘Refugees are welcome here’ – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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