People rallied together to show defiance in response to national disorder and scenes of racism in areas of the country during the second protest of the week in Oxford.
According to Oxford Stand Up To Racism, more than 600 people attended the demonstration in Magdalen Road on Wednesday evening.
Following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport, riots and violent scenes have broken out in various UK towns and cities with an anti-immigration sentiment at the forefront.
Banners with messages including “hope not hate”, “end racism now” and “no to fascism in Oxford” were held up by protestors in the city.
READ MORE: Over 600 people attend Oxford protest amid refugee and mosque threat fears
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In most places, planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise, despite the threat of more than 100 planned protests, with Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson claiming “swift justice” had acted as a deterrence.
No arrests were reported in Oxford on what was a peaceful night after Thames Valley Police had said the force would "swiftly deal" with anyone looking to cause trouble.
Thames Valley Police had said that they would “swiftly deal with” any possible offenders on the night looking to disturb the peace.
People rallied together to show defiance in response to national disorder and scenes of racism in areas of the country during the second protest of the week in Oxford.
According to Oxford Stand Up To Racism, more than 600 people attended the demonstration in Magdalen Road on Wednesday evening.
Following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport, riots and violent scenes have broken out in various UK towns and cities with an anti-immigration sentiment at the forefront.
Banners with messages including “hope not hate”, “end racism now” and “no to fascism in Oxford” were held up by protestors in the city.
In most places, planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise, despite the threat of more than 100 planned protests, with Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson claiming “swift justice” had acted as a deterrence.
No arrests were reported in Oxford on what was a peaceful night after Thames Valley Police had said the force would "swiftly deal" with anyone looking to cause trouble.
Thames Valley Police had said that they would “swiftly deal with” any possible offenders on the night looking to disturb the peace.
Police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, said: "Earlier this evening I was in Oxford to see the policing operation to manage today’s protest in the city.
"I was hugely impressed by the preparation and the professionalism of officers on the grounds. Very pleased that the protest passed off peacefully, with no arrests made."
Across the border, Northamptonshire Police said three people had been arrested for public order offences in Northampton on Wednesday night and were in custody, but no members of public or police had been injured.
City councillors were among those joining in with the protest in Oxford on Wednesday evening.
A post from Oxford City Greens stated: "This evening, we're proud to have joined hundreds of residents in Oxford standing up against racism.
"The far right are not welcome in our city, nor anywhere.
"We stand in solidarity with communities facing intimidation and attack. We must not let hate win."
Police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, said: "Earlier this evening I was in Oxford to see the policing operation to manage today's protest in the city.
"I was hugely impressed by the preparation and the professionalism of officers on the grounds. Very pleased that the protest passed off peacefully, with no arrests made."
Across the border, Northamptonshire Police said three people had been arrested for public order offences in Northampton on Wednesday night and were in custody, but no members of public or police had been injured.
City councillors were among those joining in with the protest in Oxford on Wednesday evening.
This evening, we're proud to have joined hundreds of residents in Oxford standing up against racism!
— Oxford City Greens (@OxCityGreens) August 7, 2024
✊ The far right are not welcome in our city, nor anywhere.
We stand in solidarity with communities facing intimidation and attack. We not let hate win. 💚 pic.twitter.com/OxGSRuIrKy
A post from Oxford City Greens stated: "This evening, we're proud to have joined hundreds of residents in Oxford standing up against racism.
"The far right are not welcome in our city, nor anywhere.
"We stand in solidarity with communities facing intimidation and attack. We must not let hate win."
City councillor Alex Powell added: "So proud of Oxford once again today. So many people out to stand in Solidarity with communities facing far-right persecution and violence."
Home Office minister Dame Diana told Sky News she was "cautious" about saying whether or not the riots had turned a corner, adding: "It's good that we didn't see the level of disorder and criminality on our streets that we have in previous days, but obviously this is just the start.
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