Balloons but no violence at anti-immigration protest, one year after riots

DEMONSTRATION: A number seven-shaped balloon is released in Queen Victoria Square, representing the age of one of the three girls murdered in a stabbing atrocity in Southport last year

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

An anti-immigration protest drew scores of sympathisers to Hull city centre today, but was not followed by a repeat of the shocking violence that shamed the city after a much bigger demonstration in the same location a year ago.

Both were organised by the same group calling themselves ‘Hull Patriotic Protesters’, and on August 3 last year the demonstration was followed by large-scale rioting as rampaging thugs attacked police and property and terrorised a community in the Spring Bank area.

The Hull riots were among a series of disturbances across the country last summer, which took place after the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, Merseyside, on July 29, 2024.

Those attending today’s gathering in Queen Victoria Square found a slightly smaller counter-demonstration already under way, backed by music played through a sound-system.

SUPPORT: People at the counter-demonstration

‘Hull Patriotic Protesters’ had advertised their event as a “peaceful static demonstration”, which was largely adhered to apart from insults and shouting, with orderly behaviour also encouraged by a significant police presence.

But although the advert did not mention it, the Southport stabbing atrocity was again the main theme.

It began with the individual release of three number-shaped balloons, representing the ages of the girls killed in Southport – six, seven, and nine.

ORGANISER: John Francis Gilling, in yellow vest, speaks at the protest

“We will never forgive, we will never forget,” said ‘Hull Patriotic Protesters’ founder John Francis Gilling before the balloons were released.

Other issues and allegiances could be seen and heard. When a woman at the counter-demonstration used their PA system to mention far-right activist ‘Tommy Robinson’, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, loud cheering from the other side was the immediate response. One man at the anti-immigration rally also carried a poster of Robinson’s face on a placard.

That group had gathered on the top of the steps near the statue of Queen Victoria, around which they attached or carried Union flags and the St George’s Cross. They also taped posters above the steps carrying messages including: “The bulls**t media nonsense and lies brainwashes many millions of Britons”, and “The British people can eradicate most of today’s rape gangs when the majority want to”.

MESSAGES: Posters at the demonstration

Placards carried at the counter-demonstration bore messages including: “We are all immigrants” and “Refugees are welcome here”.

In a statement afterwards, Humberside Police said: “We can confirm that the planned peaceful protest this afternoon in Queen Victoria Square has now come to a conclusion.

“Officers would like to thank members of the public for their patience whilst allowing those in attendance to take part and exercise their right to protest.

“Members of the public will continue to see extra officers in Hull throughout the weekend, both to offer reassurance but also to respond to any emerging issues and deal with these swiftly. If you have any concerns, please speak to us.”