In Bristol city centre today (Sunday, 7th September), an anti-migrant protest clashed with counter-protesters.
Counter protesters flocked to Bond Street to heckle and disrupt a nationalist protest organised by Bristol Patriots.
Bristol Patriots encouraged their supporters to bring flags, banners and noise makers. Many supporters of the cause are carrying signs that read: “Stop the boats; deport illegals now.”
The protest continued to grow throughout the day, despite heavy rain.
The anti-migrant protest comes at the end of another British summer characterised by nationalistic and anti-migrant protests, the latest fuelled by the government housing migrants in hotels.
To stifle the angry anti-migrant sentiment of the Bristol Patriots, counter-protesters decorated the pavements outside a hotel housing migrants with welcoming messages. The messages were written in both English and Arabic and read “Bristol welcomes you” and “Bristol welcomes refugees.” Other protesters were holding handmade signs that read “migration is not a crime” and “refugees are not the problem.”
Avon and Somerset Police have said dispersal powers have been given and will be in effect until 7 am tomorrow. The police erected a wall to keep the opposing sides apart.
Many police officers were in attendance, including some on horseback. Roads around Bond Street were also closed as riot vans were on the scene.
Chief Inspector Serena Serjeant has said: “We aim to enable peaceful protest to take place, but we will step in in the event of any criminality.”
Similar protests took place 2 weeks ago as tensions continue to rise over migrants being housed in hotels.
The Bristol Tab understands that one person was arrested in connection with the protests.
