Bristol sees tense standoff as police separate anti-immigration rally and counter-protesters

Police formed a guard in Bristol as anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters clashed in the city centre on Saturday 15 November.

Avon and Somerset Police kept the two groups apart to allow peaceful protests on both sides and to minimize disruption to other members of the public.

The leader of the UK Independence Party, Nick Tenconi, was in attendance.

5pm

Police are beginning to pack up as the last of the protesters are asked to leave the area.

4pm

The majority of anti-immigration protesters have dispersed. There are still groups of anti-fascist protesters and a large police presence in the area.

2:20pm

Police are keeping the two sides apart, as they exchange hostile chants. Counter-protesters are in front of the entrance to the hotel and significantly outnumber the anti-immigration protesters.

1:55pm

Bristol Patriots planned its protest for 1pm. Supporters marched from the harbour towards the Mercure Hotel, used to house asylum seekers, at 1:55pm. It has called on supporters from across the UK to "take a stand" in the "leftie" capital of the UK.

In a statement, the group said: "We are gathering to stand together in solidarity and make our voices heard. This peaceful protest is an important opportunity for our community to unite, show strength, and demand positive change."

Protesters carrying flags, flares and banners were heard chanting "Tommy Robinson".

12pm

Counter-protesters gathered near the junction of Redcliffe Hill and Redcliffe Parade East just before 12pm, chanting: "Refugees welcome here. We are many, you are few. We are Bristol. Who are you?"

Groups waved at asylum seekers inside the Mercure Hotel.

There is a large Avon and Somerset Police presence at the site, and Devon and Cornwall Police vans have also lined the streets.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Conditions are being put in place to help provide both sets of protesters an equal opportunity to protest.

"A decision has been taken to put conditions in place under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, which will ensure they can be conducted separately because the protests are in close proximity to one another.

"We would advise everyone planning to attend to familiarize themselves with the map below in advance."

The conditions, which are in place from 9am to 5pm, are as follows:

• Any person or groups participating in the anti-immigration protest on Saturday 15 November must remain in the designated protest zone and only enter the zone at the respective point identified on the map.

• The anti-immigration protest must conclude no later than 5pm that day.

• Any person participating in the counter-protest must not enter, try to enter, or restrict entry to the designated exclusion zone (which protesters would be allowed to enter to reach the protest zone).

Other enhanced powers have been authorized from 7am-10pm on Saturday too in the area outlined in blue on the map below.

Credit:Avon and Somerset Police

"They are simply looking to create fear, intimidation and confrontation"

One resident who lives near the Mercure hotel on Redcliffe Hill said: "I have lived next door to this hotel for the last couple of years and have never experienced any trouble from any of the residents. They are mostly families with children and teenagers, and the residents are all lovely, quiet, and peaceful.

"I don’t know a single one of my neighbors who has a problem with them being here - many of us are very concerned about this protest today. Particularly how frightening it will be for the residents in the hotel, and because it does not represent the views of the people that live here.

"Let’s call this what it is - racism. If the anti-immigration protesters were genuinely serious in their concerns and keen to enact change, they would protest outside the buildings of the policymakers and political leaders, not on a Saturday outside a hotel in front of people who have no power.

"The reality is, they are simply looking to create fear, intimidation and confrontation - because they know that in a place like Bristol there will be a massive anti-fascist counter-protest."

Bristol City Council: "Everyone is welcome"

In a statement ahead of the protest, Bristol City Council said: "Bristol there is no place for hate. We stand together as representatives of our city’s communities, faith groups, local organizations, public sector and city partners, against division and hate in all its forms.

"Our ambition for a peaceful city where communities live in harmony is being challenged, and there are difficult conversations we must have to find solutions to these challenges.

"In doing so we have a shared responsibility to speak with compassion and kindness for one another and reject hate speech or hate crime.

"Our key messages are that we are stronger when we are together, everyone belongs and everyone is welcome. The values of compassion, unity, and respect are ones we can all share and aspire to, regardless of background or circumstance.

"Bristol is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong love of community and an independent spirit. It is this unique identity which is one of our city’s greatest strengths."