Thousands of protesters have brought Liverpool city centre to a standstill as violent clashes erupted between anti-racism demonstrators and far-right UKIP supporters during opposing rallies on Saturday.
Police officers found themselves trapped between the two groups after what witnesses described as a “very bad decision” allowed Stand Up to Racism activists to approach anti-immigration protesters from the side, leading to attacks with cans and sticks. Multiple arrests have been made as mounted police units were deployed to control the escalating situation.
The confrontation has completely blocked central Liverpool, with flashpoints continuing to develop across the city as tensions remain extremely high.
Police Caught in Middle
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation deteriorated rapidly when younger members of the Stand Up to Racism group approached from the left-hand side carrying cans and sticks, launching attacks on anti-immigration protesters. This tactical error left police officers caught between two hostile lines.
“The police have got themselves in a real muddle because they allowed Stop Racism, some of the younger people in it, to come in from the left-hand side with cans and sticks and start hitting hard on the anti-immigration protesters,” one observer noted.
“Now the police are caught between two lines. They allowed the Stand Up to Racism group to come around the back of them, and they’re now trying to cut a way through the street to separate the two protests.”
Violence Erupts Across City
The chaos has seen approximately five arrests so far, with police struggling to maintain control as scuffles break out along the entire length of affected streets. Officers have been observed pushing through crowds, attempting to create separation between the opposing groups.
“This is a very bad police decision because it has ended up blocking the middle of Liverpool entirely,” witnesses reported. “It’s a very tense situation. You can see police pushing down the street, trying to move protesters.”
One protester was seen standing with a flag, apparently attempting to provoke others, whilst clashes continued throughout the area. “The whole length of the street has seen scuffles,” observers stated.
UKIP’s “Mass Deportation Tour”
The far-right UKIP party had announced their “mass deportation tour” would visit Liverpool on Saturday 23 August, prompting Stand Up to Racism to organise a counter-demonstration at St George’s Hall at noon.
UKIP’s campaign represents what opponents describe as an attempt to build a fascist street movement, capitalising on anti-immigration sentiment. The party has called for the deportation of all asylum seekers and migrants.
Stand Up to Racism mobilised supporters with the message: “Liverpool has always stood firm against fascism and racism. We stand in solidarity with all those defending their city and their communities from the politics of hate and division.
Special Police Powers Deployed
Merseyside Police had anticipated trouble and secured additional powers to disrupt suspected criminality ahead of the protests. Superintendent Karl Baldwin confirmed that both a Section 34 dispersal order and a Section 60 order were introduced on Saturday.
These orders grant police enhanced powers to stop and search individuals suspected of carrying weapons or planning criminal activity. The Section 34 order allows officers to direct people engaging in antisocial behaviour to leave the area.
“These orders are not intended to disrupt anyone going about their lawful business today in the city centre, but instead will be used to help keep everyone safe,” Superintendent Baldwin stated before the protests.
Wider Context of Tensions
The Liverpool confrontation is the latest in a series of protests across Britain as tensions over immigration and asylum seeker accommodation reach boiling point. Multiple demonstrations have occurred in recent weeks at hotels housing asylum seekers.
Last weekend alone, protests took place in 14 locations nationwide, including London, Essex, Birmingham, Leeds, and Norwich. Counter-protests by anti-racism groups have consistently mobilised to oppose what they describe as far-right extremism.
The situation in Liverpool reflects broader divisions that have seen thousands take to streets across the UK. Previous incidents have included attacks on buildings housing asylum seekers and violent confrontations between opposing groups.
Pattern of Escalation
Today’s events follow a pattern of escalating tensions seen throughout August. Earlier this month, far-right protests occurred outside hotels in Liverpool believed to be housing asylum seekers, including the Richard Apart-Hotel.
Stand Up to Racism has consistently organised counter-demonstrations, stating: “We believe that migrants have enriched this country both culturally and economically. 25% of NHS and care home workers come from migrant backgrounds.
The group argues that migrants are not responsible for economic problems, stating: “Migrants aren’t driving down wages or raising rents. The bosses and landlords are.”
Police Response Criticised
The police handling of today’s protests has come under severe criticism, with observers describing it as “shocking that police allowed attacks to come in from the left-hand side.”
The tactical decision to allow Stand Up to Racism protesters to approach from a flanking position has resulted in officers becoming trapped between hostile groups, unable to effectively separate them.
“Clashes are breaking out, there have been around five arrests so far today, and the police are really being pushed to control the situation,” witnesses reported. The deployment of mounted units indicates the severity of the disorder.
City Centre Paralysed
The confrontation has effectively paralysed Liverpool city centre, with the main shopping and business districts blocked by the opposing protests and police operations. The situation remains fluid, with new flashpoints developing as groups attempt to outmanoeuvre police cordons.
Superintendent Baldwin had earlier stated: “The aim, as ever, is to keep the public safe. I hope that the presence of our officers in the city centre is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to those officers.”
However, the current chaos suggests these preventive measures have failed to contain the violence. Police continue to appeal for calm whilst working to restore order to the city centre.
Ongoing Situation
As of Saturday afternoon, the situation remains extremely volatile, with police continuing efforts to separate the opposing groups and restore order to Liverpool city centre. Additional units have been deployed as authorities work to prevent further escalation.
Merseyside Police have asked members of the public to avoid the city centre whilst operations continue. Anyone witnessing criminal behaviour has been asked to contact officers immediately.
The confrontation represents one of the most serious outbreaks of protest-related disorder in Liverpool in recent years, highlighting the deep divisions over immigration policy and the challenge authorities face in managing opposing demonstrations.
