Today's protests

[Hewlet]

Is your city/town affected by the protests today? I'm concerned by them and wondering if I should participate in a counter-protest.
But the other part of me feels that this will all descend in to male violence on both sides and I should stay clear.

What protests?

They’re not protests there organised riots. Although I see the Daily Mail is calling them rallies.

@Fimbledore Sunderland police station was set on fire last night.

I know there are plans for some today and over the next few weeks in my nearest city.

There aren't any near me, fortunately. I feel the same as you - would like to form part of a (peaceful) counter-protest but worry about being caught up in violence.

The hope not hate website had a list of where the thugs might target.

One planned in my city today, which coincides with a big family festival that’s held every year.

I am just disgusted at what I’m seeing on the news.

They’re not protests there organised riots. Although I see the Daily Mail is calling them rallies.

Yes, agreed, I almost wrote "protests" but wanted to avoid arguing over semantics.

Yes, "protests" planned for my nearest city this afternoon. "Women and children to the front". 🙄 Hoping it's a damp squib, especially as we need to drive through.

Thanks. This is all very frightening.

You've articulated it better than me.

Planned riots is what they are.

I can imagine how powerful a counter-protest by women would be, especially older women, but then I think "why should we put ourselves in harm's way? This is a male violence problem".

@Snacksgalore thanks. I hadn't realised. This is appalling.

and wondering if I should participate in a counter-protest.

Oh aye, give the poor police even more work to do. Counter protests are just an excuse to cause more trouble. You can always protest on another day, or petition, or whatever, but just not on the same day, time and place 🙄

I have no idea if there are any near me, is there a list?

We had some near me last night - appalling behaviour from racist thugs. We had a lovely lady with a sign that said "Nan's against Nazis' as a counter protest

I'd love to attend the one closest to me today as I fully support the cause, but I'm scared there might be violence from the thugs who turn up just to riot.

It wouldn't be. I'm sorry but it wouldn't be. They just want to get drunk and angry and shout. Best off staying away and letting the police deal with them.

Counter protests are just an excuse to cause more trouble.

But they needn't be. If it's a protest (and not a riot) there should be no violence.

And sometimes, I feel, the silent majority need to speak up. Otherwise it looks like these intolerant, violent opinions are unopposed.

That's brave!

What an absolute waste of police resources on these absolute thugs. Have just looked at the website, can see my city on it. Can't wait for it to be trashed 🙄 these people are ridiculous

There's no point. Speak up another day. Don't counterprotest at the same time. It will just rile them up more and the police will have a hard enough time

I saw her on twitter. What a legend

There's one on the daily fail website.

I completely agree with your points re counter protest.

Any counter protest won't get the coverage in the papers either

So, is it pointless to counter-protest or is it brave and legendary of a single woman holding up a "nans against nazi" sign?

There are far better ways to get your point across than poking these thugs

Sorry, I'm not disagreeing with the different views. I just feel so angry and impotent that a small minority of men can cause so much damage and fear (and on such an illogical basis!).