Heavy police presence separates hundreds of rival protestors gathered in Exeter

A heavy police presence separated hundreds of rival protestors gathered in Exeter last weekend.

On Saturday 25th October, around 1,000 people took to the city centre streets in a standoff, as the British Unity Walk protest was met with the counter protest Exeter is for Everyone.

An estimated 250 people attended the British Unity Walk, whilst around 600 to 800 people gathered in opposition.

The counter-protest was organised by Stand Up to Racism Exeter, alongside 24 other local community groups, under the larger banner of Exeter is for Everyone.

85 police officers, including some drafted in from Wales, were deployed to ensure the two rival protest groups were kept separate whilst marching in Exeter’s city centre.

The opposing organisation, British Unity, describes itself as “a patriotic movement dedicated to celebrating and preserving the culture, heritage, and shared values of the United Kingdom.”

One of the organisers of Exeter is for Everyone, Naomi Alam, told Teignmouth Post: “Today we stood against the fascists and showed them what community looks like. No scapegoating. No Islamphobia. No anti-Semitism.

Devon and Cornwall police confirmed that no arrests were made during Exeter’s rival protests.

The University of Exeter’s Students’ Guild confirmed its support of Exeter for Everyone, saying: “Exeter is your home, and no matter your background, identity or country of origin – you deserve to feel safe, supported and like you belong.”

Exeter City Council’s Council Leader Phil Bialyk also issued a statement on the protests: “Exeter is home to many diverse communities, and everyone has the right to feel safe and supported and feel that they belong – whatever their background, identity or country of origin.    

“This Saturday will see opposing demonstrations in the city centre. We cherish the right for people to protest, and people should be allowed to express their views. But that needs to be tempered by ensuring that they do not cause offence to others. 

“Exeter is a City of Sanctuary, and everyone is welcome here – our diversity is one of the great things about the city. Although passions may run high, I hope the day passes without incident.”

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Featured image via TikTok @devonukranian / @bigballs162b