A ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest took place in Southport today
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Merseyside Police have provided an update on action taken during a protest in Southport today. Hundreds took to the streets of the seaside town today brandishing Union flags and home-made signs – including one declaring “deport illegal migrants.’
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protestors gathered on Marine Drive before they marched past Ocean Plaza and over Marine Way Bridge before being met by dozens of counter-protestors who chanted: “Nazi scum, off our streets,” outside amusement arcade Funland. The two groups were separated by police, who clashed with members of the counter-protest at one point.
After today’s events, Merseyside Police has confirmed that one arrest was made.
A force spokesperson confirmed that a large police presence was in place to ensure the safety of all those taking part and the wider public.
Police said that at one point, near to Funland, officers had to intervene to prevent the protest and counter-protest groups from coming together.
The Unite the Kingdom march took place in Southport today(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The march began at around 1pm and finished at 3pm, and there was just one arrest of a 37-year-old man from Blackpool for common assault who has been taken to a police station to be interviewed.
A police spokesperson said: “The safety of the public was paramount, and we wanted to ensure minimum disruption for local communities and businesses in the city centre. As a result, the Marine Bridge and Lord Street were temporarily closed due to the march impinging on the road.”
Chief Inspector Derek Riley, said: “There was a large policing presence in Southport town centre to ensure the safety of those taking part in the march and counter-protest, as well as the wider public.”The police are often faced with the challenge of treading the fine line between upholding everyone’s rights to protest equitably, whilst endeavouring to keep the peace and ensure the public are safe. We plan ahead, in a co-ordinated way, to ensure we do this consistently, fairly and proportionately.“We would like to thank members of the public and businesses in the town centre for their patience during the course of this event.”
Before today’s protest, both Merseyside Police and Sefton Council said they had been made aware of the planned demonstration in the town, with the authorities working behind the scenes to ensure it remained peaceful.
The scenes in Southport today came following weeks of advertisements for a peaceful protest appearing on social media. Posters and stickers had also been put up across the town.
The Unite the Kingdom march took place in Southport today(Image: Liverpool Echo)
One poster which appeared in the town said: “We march at 1pm through Southport town UTK… no face covering. Everyone is welcome; bring your family, bring your flags. Let’s bring our country together. See you there, get Starmer out.”
The march had been dubbed the “Southport freedom march”, with UTK referencing Unite the Kingdom – a far-right protest organised by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in London last month.
Among the flags and signs visible today was a St George’s flag with “Unite the Kingdom” across it. One banner also depicted an AI-generated British bulldog with a Union Flag imposed on top of it.
