Anti-racism protests took place in London, Glasgow and elsewhere in the UK yesterday.
Far-right protesters clashed with police last weekend after many anti-racism groups cancelled their rallies to avoid confrontations with those who purportedly sought to defend statues.
Advertised as a peaceful protest beginning in Hyde Park in central London at 1pm, and promoted on social media by London Anti-Fascist Assembly, people were welcomed to wear bright colours to “stand united against police brutality, racial injustice and oppression across the world”.
Another began at Vauxhall, with both converging on Parliament Square.
In Glasgow, Stand Up to Racism said that 1,500 people joined a physically-distanced protest in a “beautiful display of unity and determination” despite police warnings to stay away.
There was a heavy police presence for the anti-fascist demonstration.
It was also attended by activists from Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees, Positive Action in Housing, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, and unions.
On World Refugee Day, protesters in Glasgow chanted: “Refugees are welcome here.”
Police horses and riot officers were used to control the arrival of protesters from the Green Brigade, linked to Celtic ultras, in George Square.
Demonstrators appeared to be subject to police containment at 12.30pm as officers attempted to disrupt the protest following warnings from Police Scotland, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, and the head of Glasgow city council, to not gather at the location.
Clashes have broken out over recent weeks at the square, including violent scenes from a far-right group on Wednesday.
Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren said on Friday evening: “Please do not come to George Square tomorrow.
“The lockdown restrictions remain in place and people should leave their homes only for very limited purposes.
“Anyone who wants to protest should find another way of doing so that keeps everyone safe.
“The disgraceful scenes we have witnessed in George Square are completely unacceptable and a robust policing response is in place for anyone intent on causing violent disruption.”
On Friday, hundreds of protesters staged a four-hour Black Lives Matter (BLM) rally through Birmingham, regularly pausing for silences.
Three police officers were pictured taking a knee with a demonstrator.
It comes as debate rages over Britain’s imperialist past, frustration about the focus on “white” history in the curriculum and figures showing that police are disproportionately searching and using force against people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
The Rugby Football Union is reviewing the historical context of popular terrace anthem Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, with many England supporters unaware of its origins as a song about slavery.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has criticised the review, and said that the focus should be on the substance of efforts to combat racism.
Amid calls from senior police figures for protests to be banned under coronavirus laws, the Metropolitan police have released images of 35 suspects that they wish to speak to in connection with a relatively small number of clashes at protests in London attended by tens of thousands of people last weekend.
Johnson condemned last weekend’s violence in London as racist thuggery.
“Racism has no part in the UK and we must work together to make that a reality,” he said.