A local anti-racism group clashed with far-right sympathisers of Tommy Robinson in town.
Migration and refugees were at the centre of discussions in Derby this weekend as protest groups clashed.
Anti-migration protesters (referred to commonly as far-right protesters) were scheduled to converge in Derby on Saturday, November 30. But, anti-racism groups, who take a pro stance on migration organised a counter-protest to confront them.
WATCH: Protesters clash in Derby
The anti-racism group, consisting of different unions and separate groups converged in the city centre, close to Nandos much earlier. Their picket, with just under 100 people held placards and took turns to speak.
They sang anti-racism songs as well as tunes promoting love and unity, while activists wrote messages along the same lines on the floor with chalk. Around noon, less than a dozen protesters arrived at Derby City Council offices where they began their planned demonstration.
A few of them had their mouths taped and held placards claiming they were being silenced – largely in reference to the arrest of several of their members like Tommy Robinson. They held several other placards that demanded the end to the use of bladed articles in crime.
The anti-racism group moved their protests to the city council doors where they confronted the anti-migration activists. Some of the banners held by attendees boldly claimed “refugees welcome” as other protesters waved the Palestinian flag.
And, the anti-migration protesters took exception to being described as racist or far right. An organiser told Derby Now that they were neither racist nor against migration as a whole.
She said: “We are not against migration. We are against illegal migration. It is unsustainable.
“We are incorrectly described as racist. We are not. We are against illegal migration and crime.”
But anti-racism organisers told Derby Now this was just an “excuse”. One organiser said: “That just isn’t true. They want a repeated of what happened in the summer.
“They are targeting migrants though that is not the reason things are bad right now”.
The anti-racism picket told Derby Now that they found it strange that of the 11 or so protesters, “Only one is from Derby”, before telling the protesters to “go to their own cities and fix the problems there”.
The protest, which lasted till around 3 pm was eventually disbursed at the police’s request but not without minor incident.
As the far-right group left the city, anti-racism groups shouted “N*zi sc**, off our streets, which irked the police who demanded that particular chant not be used – claiming it was a form of hate speech.
Before, with flags tucked in Tesco plastics and small bags, the protest died down and was replaced by a large parade which preceded the Christmas Switch on.
Timeline of the anti-racism Protest in Derby
The protests in Derby unfolded on Saturday, November 30, centring on migration and refugee issues. Anti-racism groups, comprising various unions and activist organisations, gathered early in the city centre near Nandos. The group, numbering under 100, began their activities with chants promoting unity and messages advocating for refugee rights.
Around noon, a smaller group of anti-migration protesters, estimated to be fewer than a dozen, arrived at Derby City Council offices to start their demonstration. Displaying placards and taping their mouths shut to symbolise alleged censorship, they highlighted issues like illegal migration and knife crime.
Tensions escalated when the anti-racism picket moved closer to the council doors to confront the anti-migration activists. The demonstrations continued until approximately 3 pm, concluding after police intervened to disperse the crowds. The city transitioned from protest to celebration as a Christmas parade replaced the heated gatherings.
The English Defence League and Far-Right Groups Supporting Tommy Robinson
The English Defence League (EDL) is a far-right organisation known for its controversial stance on issues such as migration, Islam, and national identity. Often associated with protests and public demonstrations, the group has been criticised for inciting division and fostering xenophobia.
Tommy Robinson, a key figure for such groups, has faced multiple legal issues, including arrests and convictions, which his supporters frequently label as government censorship. Sympathisers, like those seen in Derby, often argue their protests target illegal migration rather than migration itself, though their critics dismiss these claims as veiled bigotry.
In Derby, the far-right group’s presence remained small, yet their actions and rhetoric sparked significant opposition from local anti-racism activists who denounced them as promoting hate under the guise of legal concerns.
Unions in Derby Taking a Stand Against Racism
Derby has a strong tradition of union-led activism, with local branches actively opposing racism and advocating for equality. Groups like Unite the Union and GMB frequently participate in demonstrations promoting migrant rights and combating discrimination.
These unions are integral to events like the anti-racism protest in Derby, bringing together diverse voices to stand against far-right narratives. With banners reading “Refugees Welcome” and chants calling for unity, these groups play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s inclusive identity. They also support educational campaigns and community initiatives aimed at fostering solidarity across cultural divides.
Police Mediation and Community Impact
While protests often bring societal issues to the forefront, they also pose challenges for law enforcement tasked with maintaining public order. In Derby, police carefully managed the dynamics between the two groups, stepping in to prevent physical confrontations and diffuse tensions.
One contentious moment arose when anti-racism demonstrators chanted slogans targeting their opponents. Police officers intervened, citing concerns about escalating hostility and labelling certain chants as potentially constituting hate speech.
These incidents underline the complexities of balancing free expression with public safety. Beyond the immediate clash, such events spark broader discussions about Derby’s role in addressing contentious topics like migration and the far-right’s influence in the UK.
