Extreme Left-wing groups in the United Kingdom are planning a "Day of Action" for next month, calling on youths and workers to mobilize in central London. The planned demonstration is explicitly inspired by recent "mayhem" and civil unrest on the streets of France, according to organizers.
A coalition of radical organizations, including socialists, anti-war activists, pro-Palestinian groups, and anarchists, are urging university students to walk out of classes for what they term a "youth strike." The protests aim to increase pressure on the government to boost spending on jobs and education, cut defense funding, and express support for Palestine while opposing Israel.
Online messaging promotes the event with slogans such as "rise against imperialism, capitalism, authoritarianism and the far right." This call to action follows a weekend of widespread disorder in France, which resulted in at least 2,400 arrests and damage or looting of over 3,000 businesses.
British political figures have reacted to the planned demonstrations. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that while the Conservative Party supports the right to free speech and peaceful protest, any attempt to replicate the "chaos" seen in France would be met with the "full force of the law." He expressed concern over falling police officer numbers, suggesting that law enforcement lacks the necessary resources to combat crime and protect the public.
The event is advertised for Trafalgar Square on Friday, November 20, with additional protests planned for Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, and Leicester. Organizers claim the demonstration is being coordinated with similar protests across Europe.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the police "have the powers and resources needed" to protect communities. The spokesman condemned the violence in France, emphasizing that while the right to protest is fundamental to democracy, it cannot justify violence. He also acknowledged public concerns about the cost of living in Britain.
Reform UK's policing and crime advisor, Colin Sutton, urged the Metropolitan Police to adopt a "firm, no-nonsense approach" and ensure that anyone breaking the law faces consequences. Reform UK has proposed a "S.A.F.E. plan" that includes expanding stop-and-search powers, banning face coverings, and increasing the number of police officers.
The disorder in France began as student protests over school conditions but escalated into widespread riots, violence, and looting. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reportedly offered his resignation amid the unrest, acknowledging that authorities had "lost control" in some areas, though President Emmanuel Macron refused it.
Amidst the French protests, fires were set to objects in streets, businesses were looted in cities including Paris and Marseille, and the city hall in Limoges was firebombed. Macron has instructed Nunez to implement new policing tactics and ensure transparency regarding failures in planning and intelligence gathering that contributed to the violence.