UK TREND : The Knowsley demonstration incident has divided the public

14 February 2023

Suella Braverman, the home secretary, criticised disorder at a Knowsley demonstration and added that “alleged behaviour of some asylum seekers is never an excuse for violence.”

I condemn the appalling disorder in Knowsley last night. The alleged behaviour of some asylum seekers is never an excuse for violence and intimidation. Thank you to @merseypolice officers for keeping everyone safe.

— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) February 11, 2023

People criticize Knowsley demonstration

Violence broke out during a demonstration outside the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, which houses asylum seekers, on Friday night, leading to the arrest of fifteen people, among them a 13-year-old boy.

The hashtags # Suella Braverman and #Knowsley have been trending on twitter since the incident. There is division among the general public. The majority of people have criticised and labelled the anti-demonstrators as “far right.” They have also criticised Braverman’s remarks, claiming that she was “victim blaming” in her statements. Others have backed Knowsley demonstration and asserted that demonstrators are not “far right,” but rather are worried about the safety of young girls.

And just like that, Suella Braverman sides with the Knowsley fascists, blaming the asylum seekers.
Despicable behaviour from the Home Secretary, yet entirely predictable.
If this doesn’t scare you, then you’re not paying attention. #RefugeesWelcome

— Sarah (@SASR666) February 12, 2023

Knowsley demonstration divided the public in UK

Individuals who were critical of the demonstration were also critical of the Home Secretary’s statement, they tweeted that “ her belated statement on Knowsley, in which she implies that the victims of the far-right violence may have been partly to blame, is almost worse than having said nothing at all”.

Suella Braverman's belated statement on Knowsley, in which she implies that the victims of yesterday's far-right violence may have been partly to blame, is almost worse than having said nothing at all. https://t.co/tyZ5rUF52Y

— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) February 11, 2023

Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn took to twitter to blame the government for “ the horrific far-right riot in Knowsley, as it is a consequence of the government demonising refugees and warning of an ‘invasion’”.

The horrific far-right riot in Knowsley is what happens when the government warns of an “invasion” & demonises refugees.

And it’s what happens when this rhetoric is not challenged for the vile hatred that it is.

My thoughts are with those terrified souls just trying to survive.

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 11, 2023

Individuals were also blaming the government, stating that “ the anti-immigrant riot is a direct result of Tory rhetoric. The Tory party is now the national front rebranded”.

The anti immigrant riot last night in Knowsley is a direct result of Tory rhetoric. The Tory party is now just the National Front rebranded.

— Marquis de Kev (@GaiusKhufu) February 11, 2023

Labour MP Nadia Whittome also commented on the issue and stated this is the second attack against migrants within the last period and is due to “ the Conservatives demeaning migrants, they spread hate and fear and thus put people’s lives in danger”.

Just over three months ago, a terrorist attacked a migrant centre with petrol bombs.

Last week, violence erupted during a far-right rally in Knowsley.

Dehumanising migrants has consequences. Every time the Tories choose to spread hate and fear, they’re putting people in danger.

— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) February 13, 2023

Members of the public were also highlighting that the violence that took place “ did not emerge of nowhere but is due to every newspaper that portrays refugees as dangerous criminals, every local paper that publishes where asylum seekers are staying. They must know it could lead to violence “.

The scenes in Knowsley and elsewhere didn’t emerge out of nowhere. Every politician who talks of an “invasion”, every newspaper that portrays refugees as dangerous criminals, every local paper that publishes where asylum seekers are staying, must know it could lead to violence.

— Ana Opp 🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@AnaOpp) February 10, 2023

“The shameful and appalling scenes in Knowsley show how far right groups are using social media to organise and promote violence,” said Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary for Labour.

Last night’s violence is reminder of the importance of being vigilant against far right groups using social media to organise violence & threats.

Home Secretary was wrong to dismiss far right activity & extremism this wk. Police must deal with threats wherever they come from

— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) February 11, 2023

Others took to twitter to defend the protesters. One twitter user shared that “ 80% of the people in Knowsley voted labour – yet the media will still find a way to label a protest about the sexual harassment of a young girl as ‘far right’”.

Nigel Farage also expressed his opinion in defence of the protestors, he shared on twitter that “ the Migrant hotel protest in Knowsley happened because many local parents are concerned for the safety of young schoolgirls. They are decent, honest people with genuine worry – and certainly not ‘far right’.”

The migrant hotel protest in Knowsley happened because many local parents are concerned for the safety of young schoolgirls.

They are decent, honest people with genuine worry — and certainly not “far right”.

pic.twitter.com/Zt2OVLSGYT

— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) February 13, 2023