Anti-racists Movement prepares to counter rallies

A mass movement of anti-racists is being mobilised to counter a number of far-right rallies taking place across the UK this weekend, campaigners have said.

- Jessica Murray, Neha Gohil

Counter-protests are being planned across the country in response to far-right demonstrations set to take place in over 25 towns and cities in the wake of the Southport attack which left three children dead.

Samira Ali, the national organiser for Stand Up to Racism which is behind many of the counter-protests, said the growing "confidence" of the far-right cannot be "left to fester, or go unopposed".

"We're fighting as hard as possible to get as many people in a coalition around the country to make sure that these protests are opposed," she said.

"What demoralises [far-right protesters] on the day is people standing together as a broad mass movement and fighting back. The far-right might think they're part of something bigger, but we know that we are in fact the majority, and we're trying to mobilise that this weekend."

The prime minister has announced plans to unify intelligence across the country's police forces to clamp down on violent disorder, with fears this weekend's events, some of which are directly targeting mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, could turn aggressive.