Hundreds of people gathered outside Nuneaton Town Hall on Saturday to participate in an anti-immigration protest, one of several demonstrations held across England. The protesters marched through the town center, waving flags and chanting anti-government messages while carrying homemade signs. The event was sparked by comments made by Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch, who accused Warwickshire Police and the Home Office of covering up the immigration status of two men charged with raping a 12-year-old girl.
The protest remained mostly peaceful, with Warwickshire Police present to ensure public safety. A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of making threats to cause criminal damage during the demonstration. A small group of counter-protesters also attended but were relocated when they appeared to be surrounded by the larger group. The protesters dispersed by about 15:30 BST, with the police commending the peaceful nature of the event.
The protest follows controversy surrounding the immigration status of the two men charged with the alleged rape. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called on police forces across the UK to share the status of charged suspects, sparking debate about immigration policies. However, Warwickshire Police stated that they follow national guidance not to share ethnicity or immigration status once someone is charged with an offense.
The Nuneaton protest was part of a larger wave of demonstrations across England, with events also held in Bristol, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Leicester, and Birmingham. These protests highlight growing concerns about immigration policies and their impact on local communities. Meanwhile, a separate demonstration in London in support of Palestine Action resulted in at least 200 arrests.
The peaceful nature of the Nuneaton protest demonstrates the community’s ability to exercise their democratic right to protest while maintaining public safety. As the debate around immigration policies continues, events like these will likely remain a focal point for discussion and activism.
