‘I'm so proud of my fellow Bristolians for preventing far-right thugs from bringing division to our city’

Shops along the road had boarded up earlier in the day, anticipating violence, but in the end, the far-right did not even bother to show up. And if they did, they would have been massively outnumbered by the counter-protesters. 

Despite earlier fears, the scenes I saw actually ended up showcasing the best of Bristol - a city that welcomes refugees and stands up for its citizens. 

One sign I saw being carried summed up the situation perfectly: "Bristol is a diverse, multicultural city - people from 180 countries, 91 languages, 41 religions. Refugees are welcomed here!!!" 

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The counter-protest followed an earlier demonstration on Saturday (August 3), where a human shield of anti-fascists had stopped a far-right mob from gaining access to a hotel housing asylum seekers. 

And tonight, Bristol has once again sent a message to those who try to bring terror to our streets that we will protect our fellow citizens when they are threatened.  

The police were out in force, patrolling the top and bottom of the road, but their presence was largely unnecessary as the counter-protesters posed no trouble.

I'm so proud of my fellow Bristolians for preventing the far-right from bringing division to our city. 

The thugs may think they can divide us, but it's quite clear we are united against them.

Bristol will always fight back against fascism.