UK Immigration Protests Turn Violent Amid Rising Calls for ‘Remigration’
UK witnessed another weekend of growing unrest over immigration, with far-right protests escalating into clashes and arrests in multiple cities. In central Manchester, supporters of the far-right "Britain First" movement marched for mass “remigration,” a term used by the group to demand the deportation of immigrants. Counter-protesters opposing racism and xenophobia met them head-on.
Police quickly separated the two groups, but not before brief clashes occurred. In London, protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside a hotel housing asylum seekers. Police had to step in and make multiple arrests as the situation became tense. The incidents highlight the nation's profound racial, immigration, and national identity divides.
In Manchester, demonstrators marched under the slogan of "remigration," demanding that immigrants be sent back to their countries. Protester Brendan O'Reilly, 66, expressed frustration: "Send them back, don’t let them in — just stop them coming in. We’ve got hotels full of immigrants and we’ve got our homeless people begging for food."
However, the protest did not go unchallenged. Anti-racism groups arrived in large numbers to counter the rhetoric. Judy, a 60-year-old retired nurse, pushed back against the marchers’ message. "Do they want them all to go back, or is it just people with brown skin? I suspect it’s just people with brown skin they want to re-migrate," she told AFP.
Police managed to split the two groups before major violence could erupt. Still, the confrontation highlighted the UK’s intensifying social divide.
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In central London’s Barbican area, protesters and counter-protesters faced off outside a hotel housing asylum seekers. Similar scenes have played out recently in the UK, often near housing facilities for migrants.
The Metropolitan Police reported on X that officers had cleared a junction where counter-protesters had gathered in breach of conditions set for the event. They confirmed nine arrests, with seven under the Public Order Act.
This weekend's protests follow a pattern. In recent weeks, several flashpoints have emerged across the UK. The most notable occurred in Epping, north-east London.
Opposition groups mobilize swiftly to fight far-right groups that have increasingly attacked migrant housing.A deeper issue—the racial undertones of the "remigration" movement—is emerging beyond slogans and placards. While groups like Britain First claim to oppose uncontrolled immigration, critics argue the real target is often visible minorities.
Judy’s statement highlights this fear. Many anti-racist activists believe the movement isn’t about policy but about identity, and exclusion based on race or religion.
This narrative is fueling stronger opposition from civil society. More people are participating in counter-demonstrations to oppose the normalization of racial hatred on UK streets as well as to support immigration.
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For police, the number and frequency of protests are becoming a greater problem and striking a balance between public order and freedom of expression is now getting harder. Although authorities have been able to curb violence thus far, the ideological conflict still rages.
The government may soon have to respond — not just with policing strategies, but with clear positions on immigration policy and social cohesion. Until then, Britain’s streets remain a battleground for the nation’s conscience.
