The UK communities secretary, Angela Rayner, has condemned recent far-right marches led by the self-styled Danny Tommo, stating that such protests should not be treated as normal demonstrations. She described these marches as acts of intimidation that should not be permitted.
Context of the Protests
Rayner criticized the behavior of some masked marchers, who have been blocking roads and transport hubs, asserting that this is not an acceptable form of protest. Daniel Thomas, the instigator of these marches over the past month, was arrested and charged last week after allegedly using a blade to slash an inflatable dinghy in the Channel while a rescue worker was onboard.
Concerns Over Public Safety
Rayner expressed her concern for local residents, stating:
“"When you see hundreds of predominantly men in black wearing black face masks shouting, going down the street, that is intimidating. Whether you agree with the message or not, it’s intimidating."
She emphasized that the nature of these marches differs significantly from traditional protests, saying:
“"I’ve been on many protests myself when I was in my union days. We have music, we have banners, but we don’t wear balaclavas and shout divisive rhetoric down the street."
