UKIP supporters will gather at 1pm in Sheffield today for the party’s ‘Reclaim Sheffield from the Far Left’ rally, calling for the mass-deportation of immigrants and the rejection of ‘woke’ idealogies.
A counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism is also scheduled in Sheffield at 12pm at Sheffield Cathedral, to oppose the ‘reclaim’ rally and keep Sheffield ‘nazi free’.
View this post on Instagram
Error: No feed found.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.
Who are UKIP?
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) is a right-wing political party, founded in 1993 by Alan Sked with the central purpose to withdraw the United Kingdom from the European Union.
Upon taking control of leadership in 2006, Nigel Farage (now leader of Reform UK) transformed the party’s political direction, aiming to appeal to the white working-class vote by emphasising issues such as immigration control, Euroscepticism and national identity.
Following the 2016 Brexit victory, Nigel Farage stepped down as leader of UKIP and later abandoned the party entirely to establish the Brexit Party, now rebranded as Reform UK.
As Nigel Farage’s Reform UK continues its surge in the polls, successfully monopolising on the white-working class vote from his previous party, UKIP is emphasising politics centered on Christian identity politics and stringent anti-migrant campaigns.
New leader Nick Tenconi is now leading his controversial ‘mass deportation tour’, which includes rallies across the UK calling for stricter immigration calls and opposing ‘woke’ policies, including those related to gender ideologies.
Why are these rallies so controversial?
UKIP rallies have often been controversial, primarily due to their association with anti-immigration rhetoric and nationalist messaging, which critics argue further fuel division and hate in a time of political uncertainty.
Tensions between supporters and counter-protesters have frequently led to violent confrontations, prompting police to intervene.
Several rallies have been banned by authorities after police warned of a ‘realistic prospect of serious disorder’, including a proposed October protest in a London borough with a large Muslim population.
These bans highlight ongoing concern about public safety in today’s political climate and the party’s polarising presence in British politics.
View this post on Instagram
How do you stay safe during a protest?
When attending a protest or counter-protest where violence is expected, it is important to prioritise your own safety.
Let a family member or a friend know that you will be attending, share your location and keep contact with them throughout the protest.
Avoid the front lines, make yourself aware of exit points if tensions begin to heighten and avoid overly-crowded spaces.
Always follow organisers’ or police guidance to minimise risk, and adhere to proposed routes.
If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and find a safe place.
For more information on how to stay safe and to understand your rights when peacefully protesting, see here.