Opposing protests take place in Exeter city centre under police supervision

Around 1,500 people joined a counter-protest in Exeter city centre on Saturday, 22 November, standing against a far-right British Unity Walk attended by roughly 110 people. 

Both demonstrations were tightly controlled by police under the Public Order Act, with routes, timings, and dispersal enforced to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.

Devon and Cornwall Police said both groups began assembling from 11am, with officers managing routes and timings to keep the marches orderly and prevent disruption. 

Extra officers were deployed across the city centre to maintain a visible presence and engage with organisers throughout the day.

Both events were required to disperse by 3.30pm. A Section 60AA order was also in place, allowing officers to require the removal of face coverings used to conceal identity. 

The order covered the city centre PSPO area from 10am to 6pm, with extra officers deployed throughout the day.

Police maintained constant engagement with organisers and a visible presence across the city: “We facilitated peaceful protest while ensuring disorder was not tolerated, nor any activity that places protestors, the public, or officers at risk,” the force said.

The Exeter is for Everyone march gathered at Bedford Square and set off by 12.30pm, returning around an hour later. 

The British Unity Walk convened at Dix’s Field, departing at 12.30pm and finishing by 3pm. 

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The demonstrations followed a similar British Unity Walk held in Exeter in late October, which was heavily outnumbered by counter-protesters. 

Ahead of Saturday’s march, Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk issued a statement backing the city’s diverse communities: “While people have the right to protest and express their views, we will not tolerate those who seek to cause division, fear and distress among any members of our community,” he said. “Exeter is proud to be a City of Sanctuary.”

Exeter MP, Steve Race, spoke on the protests by telling Exeter Today: “I’ve been in regular discussion with the police and local authority about management of the two protests on both occasions, to ensure that the right to protest is protected, while communities in Exeter are safeguarded, and I support the police in investigating any criminal behaviour.

“I am though clear that Exeter people overwhelmingly reject the politics of division and the attempted scapegoating of minority communities. As I said in my statement alongside faith and civic leaders recently, our city has always thrived when we work together to the benefit of the whole city.”

Local campaigners and political leaders took part in the counter-protest and related events. 

The Exeter Labour Party Women’s Branch hosted a banner-making session before the march, celebrating the city’s diversity. The branch chair said: “We are here to celebrate how Exeter is a beautiful and diverse city. It is a shame that some who represent the far right want to come to our city to create division and hatred.” 

“We need to have understanding and compassion for all of society, leaving no space for hatred and division.”

Councillor Diana Moore estimated around 1,500 local people joined Exeter is for Everyone, compared with roughly 110 attending the British Unity Walk. 

“It was shocking to see the ‘unity’ marchers set off flares and shout abuse down Exeter’s High Street,” she said. “I support freedom of expression, but condemn the few who use it to incite hatred, leaving many residents feeling anxious, unsafe or unwelcome.”

Green Party councillor Andy Ketchin added: “We will continue to support our communities so we can live well together. Cuts to services are the result of political decisions, not immigration.” 

Exeter Green Party coordinator Bernadette Chelvanayagam said: “Exeter has a rich history and strong identity shaped by both locals and those who have moved here. On Saturday we stood in solidarity to protect the right of everyone to coexist safely and with dignity.”

Police confirmed their operation continued into the afternoon to reassure residents, businesses, and shoppers as the crowds dispersed ahead of the pre-Christmas period.