In Brighton, counter-protesters significantly outnumbered anti-immigration demonstrators, leading to heightened tensions early on as police worked to keep the groups separated near the BBC building on Queens Road. As the evening unfolded, the counter-protest took on a celebratory atmosphere with music and chants.
Some 2,000 took to steets for for a peaceful protest on Wednesday night in response to reports of a planned anti-immigration demonstration.
There was a significant police presence but Sussex Police said there were no incidents of note and no arrests.
There were around eight anti-immigration protesters at the scene.
Small groups of anti immigration protesters were swiftly confronted and escorted out by police. The day’s events led to at least one arrest, and businesses in the area took precautions by closing early and boarding up windows in anticipation of potential unrest.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s Cllr Ivan Lyons condemned the violence and hate seen in recent days across the UK, emphasizing the need for respect and cohesion. Sussex Police, preparing for further potential unrest, assured the community that racist and criminal behavior would not be tolerated.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court reaffirmed that anyone engaging in disorder would face serious consequences. The unrest follows recent hate crimes targeting mosques in Peacehaven and St Leonards.
