The widespread racism and anti-immigrant sentiment across the United Kingdom in the past decades have fueled the recent protests and riots across the country, said an anti-racism protester during a protest on Wednesday.
Recently, large-scale protests against the government's immigration policy have erupted in many parts of UK since July 30, sparking riots in some areas. According to police, more than 480 have been arrested and over 100 charged since the riots broke out.
Anti-racism protesters gathered in London on Wednesday to condemn the wave of violence brought by far-right groups, holding placards with messages in support of refugees and voicing their anger over the hate being spread by far-right extremists.
"Racism that has been whipped up in this country over the last 14 years against asylum seekers and refugees has what's led us to what's been going on in the UK, particularly over the last week because the levels of racism have been so great and so appalling," said Cathy Cross, a local resident.
Among the protests held at various locations on Wednesday evening, anti-racism protesters were in the majority. These protests largely remained peaceful and did not result in large-scale disturbances.
The British government forecast more protests in the coming few days. To deter the exacerbation of the riots, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took office a little over a month ago, announced on Thursday to continue to deploy additional police forces and severely punish rioters.
Widespread racism fuels recent riots in UK: anti-racism protester
Widespread racism fuels recent riots in UK: anti-racism protester
Widespread racism fuels recent riots in UK: anti-racism protester
Widespread racism fuels recent riots in UK: anti-racism protester
