Exeter protests January 17: Rival marches held under police supervision

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that a mass protest in Exeter city centre on Saturday (January 17) allowed people to “protest peacefully” with minimal disruption to the public. 

An anti-immigration march organised under the banner of the British Unity Walk coincided with a separate anti-racism protest organised by Stand Up To Racism Exeter.

Groups began assembling shortly after 11am on Saturday 17 January, with officers stationed at key points across the city centre. 

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers worked closely with organisers, partners and businesses ahead of the event to reduce disruption while allowing lawful protest to take place.

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“Our officers enabled a protest in Exeter town centre on Saturday 17 January,” a spokesperson said. 

“Prior to the event, we liaised with organisers, local partners and businesses to ensure people could exercise their right to protest peacefully while minimising the impact on others.

“The event concluded without any arrests or issue, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public who engaged positively with officers.”

The confirmation followed a day of heightened police visibility in the city centre, where two contrasting political demonstrations took place under strict public order conditions. 

Police maintained separation between the two demonstrations as crowds gathered, moved through agreed routes and came into close proximity at several points during the morning.

Additional powers had been authorised ahead of the event as a precaution. A Section 60AA order was in force from 10am to 6pm, allowing officers to require the removal of face coverings or other items used to conceal identity. 

Officers said the additional public order powers put in place ahead of the event were not needed, as both demonstrations were managed without incident.

The order applied across the city centre area already covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order.

Between 11am and 3pm, further conditions were imposed under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act, setting legal requirements around routes, timings and assembly points.

Police confirmed that neither an assembly nor a procession was permitted on the road surface of Exeter High Street between Eastgate and Catherine Square, with additional restrictions applying to sections of the pavement.

Hundreds of people attended the demonstrations throughout the morning. Anti-racism protesters were heard chanting as groups gathered and moved through the city, while lines of officers positioned themselves between the two groups to prevent disorder.

Among those attending the British Unity Walk was Nick Tenconi, leader of the UK Independence Party and chief operating officer of right-wing pressure group Turning Point UK. 

In a statement shared during the protest, he said: “Absolutely fantastic here in Exeter: flags, cross, patriotism and farmers. We are standing with our farmers, demanding mass deportations and taking our country back. This is a great start to the year.”

Stand Up To Racism Exeter said around 1,000 people took part in its protest. 

In a statement issued after the event, the group said participants gathered to promote what it described as “a message of hope, love, compassion and inclusion”, with music, chanting and speeches forming part of the demonstration before marchers moved through the city.

The group said leaflets outlining concerns about far-right activity were distributed during the day, and that supporters later gathered for further speeches and performances, including by MAYDAY Morris, before dispersing.

Councillor Diana Moore said the turnout reflected strong opposition to racism among Exeter residents.

 “[Saturday was] a reminder of the overwhelming number of Exeter residents who are prepared to come together and stand up to racism,” she said. 

“This work continues in day-to-day life. Exeter benefits from the hopes, creativity and talents our diverse communities bring.”

Saturday’s demonstrations marked the third occasion since October 2025 that rival protests have taken place in Exeter city centre. 

On 22 November 2025, police estimated around 1,500 people attended an “Exeter is for Everyone” march, while approximately 110 people took part in a British Unity Walk. 

A similar pattern was recorded at an earlier protest in October, when around 1,000 people joined an anti-racism demonstration.

Officers remained in the city centre throughout the day to reassure residents, shoppers and businesses as the demonstrations concluded and crowds dispersed.