The rise of anti-migrant protests across Britain has been frequently portrayed by organisers as the spontaneous expression of local concern, ordinary citizens worried about housing, community cohesion, and public services – and the safety of their kids.

But evidence continues to mount suggesting that many of these supposedly grassroots demonstrations are, in fact, fuelled by far-right agitators, with criminal records and extremist ties.

Criminals and hooligans

This summer saw renewed protests outside temporary accommodation sites – often referred to as “migrant hotels” – in towns and cities across the UK.

While their banners and placards suggest a local uprising, the presence of far-right figures, convicted criminals, and organised hooligan groups points to a much more coordinated and troubling dynamic.

Just this week, three individuals were sentenced for their roles in disorder outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where clashes broke out between anti-migrant protesters, police, and anti-racism campaigners. All three received custodial sentences. Others still await trial.

Rebranding strategy

Searchlight and others have documented the involvement of known neo-Nazis, football hooligans, and repeat offenders in the second summer of racist discontent.

However, a new development has emerged. In what appears to be a rebranding strategy, a growing contingent of women – some styling themselves the “Pink Ladies” – have taken centre stage at these protests.

They are frequently described by their supporters as “concerned mothers” who simply wish to raise issues around child safety and community integrity. But investigations suggest that in some cases at least, this too is a veneer.

One prominent figure among the group is Gemma Mattinson, a resident of Gateshead, who has been a visible and vocal presence at numerous anti-migrant events in the North East.

Disturbing past

Yet behind the façade of maternal concern lies a disturbing past.

In 2013, Mattinson and her then-partner Ian Barclay were convicted at Newcastle Crown Court for a series of serious child abuse offences.

The abuse came to light when disturbing footage, recorded on a mobile phone, was discovered by a subsequent owner of the device.

The recordings featured very young children, in their care, being forced to batter each other with household objects, egged on by Barclay and Mattinson.

The father of one of the children involved fled the court in distress when the videos were shown.

The pair were sentenced to 12 and 8 months respectively – terms that relatives of the victims denounced as deeply inadequate.

‘Lefties coming for me’

Mattinson emerged on the political scene in 2024, amid a climate of heightened anti-migrant agitation, which culminated in the Farage riots.

Social media posts on her accounts include racially abusive language, conspiracy theories, and support for prominent far-right figures such as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson.

Local anti-racists unearthed her criminal record, and when confronted about it Mattinson lashed out at “lefties” who were “coming for me”, dismissing concerns by claiming she had never hidden her past. As if that excuses or absolves it.

Indeed, several prominent voices in the “protect our children” campaigns are individuals with convictions for domestic abuse or other violent offences.

Police recently released figures showing that forty percent of rioters arrested in last summer’s riots had previously been reported for domestic violence or abuse.

So, when these far right activists claim they are acting to “protect our kids” the reality is often far darker.