There was a massive police presence around the Brighton seafront yesterday in readiness for the 6th annual ‘March for England St George’s Day Parade.’
March for England describes themselves as an “English pressure group,” whatever that means, but they seem to be made up of the usual EDL/BNP knuckledraggers.
The entire sea front area was in lockdown for a couple of hours.
The main road was lined with metal barricades, while hundreds of officers, police dogs, and mounted police patrolled the route of the march and surrounding areas.
Engulfed by police officers, the marchers were few in number – I’d estimate no more than 150, although the Sussex Police reckon that “250 people took place on the march, with up to 1000 counter protestors.”
A far larger presence of counter-demonstrators loudly greeted the marchers on the seafront and got their message over loud and clear.
With so many officers flanking the matchers, it looked more like a police parade at times.
Here’s what Sussex Police Superintendent Steve Whitton had to say in an official statement about the march:
“While there have been a few incidents around the city, which have been swiftly dealt with, the march itself passed quite peacefully, although there were a few missiles thrown at the marchers. There were some injuries as a result that were treated by police medics at the scene, but none that we are aware of that resulted in hospital treatment.
“Elsewhere around the city centre, there were incidents of disorder where people making their way to the march were attacked. Bricks were thrown at police horses that were trying to intervene and police officers came under attack by stones and large bottles of ink. It appears that the vast majority of the disorder that occurred was carried out by a small minority from within those who were there to oppose the march.
“I know that the operation caused disruption to the seafront, but I believe that the location enabled us to maintain a firm control on those who might have wished to bring violence and disorder to our city’s streets. I should especially like to thank residents, traders and visitors for the their patience and co-operation and in particular our colleagues in local authorities, transport providers and other emergency services for their assistance.
“This was a significant policing operation, but I am satisfied that the results show that it was proportionate and appropriate in keeping the city relatively peaceful and free from serious disorder.”
Here’s some more photos from the march:
This guy bellowed out a really confused monologue linking socialism with the Nazi party.
“You’re not English any more.”
Oh, OK then. 🙂
Banner hung by the seafront.
The march went a couple of hundred yards along the seafront, and then turned back again.
Oh, heil.
Accompanying the marchers along the route were the English Disco Lovers, pumping out fascist-crushing beats.
A bit more pointing.
And off they went for another year…
IDIOT UPDATE:
This priceless Facebook conversation discussing the world famous Brighton Pavilion (created by the architect John Nash in 1822) really is worth a look.
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