Hundreds of anti-fascists foil neo-Nazi march in Liverpool, several arrests made
Clashes erupted ahead of a planned “White Man March” called by a neo-Nazi group in Liverpool as anti-fascists countered the protest. Several arrests were made and the neo-Nazi march was canceled due to public outrage.
The neo-Nazi rally, organized by the National Action Group, which local media branded as the largest and the most visible action of its kind in the UK in decades, was to begin at 2 p.m. local time near Lime Street Station and end at Liverpool's Pier Head. It was apparently called off due to massive popular resentment.
Initially about 150 National Action Group supporters were expected to take part in the rally. About 150 neo-Nazis came to Liverpool, but faced hundreds of anti-fascists and outraged locals protesting against the march, as could be seen from images posted on social media.
Chaos & scuffles between neo-nazi protesters & anti-fascist groups in Liverpool. Outrage, mayhem, arrests - details on @RT_com
— Anastasia Churkina (@NastiaChurkina) August 15, 2015
The tensions ran high even before the beginning of the rallies as the anti-fascists tried to confront the neo-Nazis gathering for the march. A group of about 10 neo-Nazis was seen contained inside a train station by police with the protesters attempting to storm the building and break in, RT’s Anastasia Churkina reported from the scene.
Tensions high in Liverpool as anti-fascist protesters confront neo-nazi demo. Arrests already made. LIVE Details on @RT_com in half an hr
— Anastasia Churkina (@NastiaChurkina) August 15, 2015
Many locals took to the streets to protest against the “White Man March” with banners reading: “Not in our city.” Plastic bottles were thrown at the neo-Nazis.
"Nazi scum, off our streets" protesters shout as National Action guided out of Lime Street pic.twitter.com/N3f3K70eqi
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
Several scuffles broke out in the streets with police trying to contain the crowds. Arrests were made, although the exact number of those detained is still unknown.
Eventually, the National Action Group decided to call off the march as the neo-Nazis were apparently heavily outnumbered by the protesters.
Just to repeat then, National Action themselves made the decision to call off their planned march. Decision not forced upon them
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
from what I saw National Action were heavily outnumbered @ianwalker1991
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
The neo-Nazis dispersed and left the city, although there were reports suggesting they had tried to march in a different location. Those reports were disproved later.
Liverpool Lime Street now as protesters disperse pic.twitter.com/EB6tEb4ptx
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
Claim National Action have gone to Pier Head untrue. Just had confirmed neo Nazis have left. I repeat, National Action have left Liverpool
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
The anti-fascists decided to push ahead with their counter-march. They went through Liverpool shouting “Migrants in, fascists out! That’s what we are all about!” and waving flags.
One of the many anti fascist banners still on show outside Liverpool Lime Street pic.twitter.com/vFxZrSVHFg
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
The situation calmed down, with the anti-fascist march transforming into a peaceful demonstration as the protesters celebrated their victory, local media reported.
Anti fascists celebrating their protest at Pier Head now. pic.twitter.com/aB3D85t90a
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) August 15, 2015
The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, thanked city residents for countering the neo-Nazi march. Anderson also used his Twitter account to expose threats he said he received from the National Action Group that vowed the city would “go up in flames” if the march was stopped.
I have exposed the letter because it threatens my City and it's people, they should know about it. pic.twitter.com/KCaNpExiDd
— Joe Anderson (@joeforliverpool) August 9, 2015
Today's reaction to fascists coming to our City was fantastic thanks to everyone for being there👍
#UnitedinmemoryofAnthonyWalker❤️
— Joe Anderson (@joeforliverpool) August 15, 2015
The NAG’s plans to hold a neo-Nazi march in Liverpool also caused a broad wave of public indignation and criticism in the social media where a campaign aimed at preventing the White Man March was launched.
Good luck to our comrades in Liverpool who will be fighting the neo-Nazi "White man march" tomorrow.
#StopWMM#NoPasaran
— Robert Gallagher (@RobertGal99) August 14, 2015
So proud of all the Scousers out today❤️ and everyone who has travelled to keep the fascist scum off our streets! #Solidarity✊🏽❤️
#StopWMM
— Shan.....❤️ (@ShansRedShoes) August 15, 2015
White men use ‘protecting’ white women as an ‘excuse’ for racism - we need to stand up & stop this #StopWMM
— Chloë (@chloemiriam) August 15, 2015
Get in the sea Nazis. #stopWMMpic.twitter.com/upEgHNvD9I
— Beth (@beth_redmond) August 15, 2015
@StopWmm I love the diversity of this country.Solidarity to those standing against White man March in Liverpool today #StopWMM@hopenothate
— Emily Kelly (@Empcs) August 15, 2015
Good luck to all those opposing the White Man March in Liverpool. National Action are out and out Neo-Nazis and need to be stopped #StopWMM
— antifascist45 (@antifascist45) August 14, 2015