Taunton rival protesters speak out over 'frustration'

Approximately 50 people joined in on the "anti-illegal immigration" march through town, which was led by UKIP party leader Nick Tenconi.

The march was outnumbered by around 150 counter-protesters as part of a static demonstration, which included representatives from various local trade union and political groups.

Judith Desbonne (middle) said she wanted to stand up to racism and discrimination (Image: Alex Parnham-Cope)

Judith Desbonne was one of the counter-protesters gathered outside Market House on Fore Street.

She told the Somerset County Gazette she was frustrated by the use of police resources and the disruption caused by the march, but felt she "still needed to be here."

Judith said: "I think the big concern is that in this society at the minute, it seems to be that people feel they've got a license to be racist."

She added: "It's frustrating that we're here, but we have to stand up to them. And we actually have outnumbered them."

"People don't understand how frustrating it is"

Nick Tenconi led chants calling for tougher border measures and deportations (Image: Alex Parnham-Cope)

Protesters in the main march held Union Jacks and England flags, with chants calling for stronger borders and the deportation of migrants.

Others gathered with Union Jacks in the town centre told the Somerset County Gazette they were concerned about illegal immigration and the alleged impact on crime and the economy.

One anonymous female supporter said: "I'm horrified that they're allowed to come here. It's not fair. It's frustrating, and people don't understand how frustrating it is."

Another protester, who did not provide his name, said he was concerned about the levels of immigration into Britain.

He said: "We can't take in all the people from around the world, we can't do it."

Recent Home Office figures show that the number of asylum seekers housed in Somerset hotels has fallen to just three people in June 2026, while 181 people are living in Home Office-funded dispersal accommodation in the county.

"We are here to say 'no' to racism"

Glenn Burrows said she'd travelled from Bridgwater to support several counter-demonstrations in Taunton (Image: Alex Parnham-Cope)

Across the road on Fore Street, Glenn Burrows, from the Bridgwater Trade Union Council and Bridgwater Together, said this was the fourth time she had travelled down to Taunton to oppose the marchers.

She said: "It's very important to say that we are here to reclaim our streets. We are here to say no to fascist activity, no to racism."

"But we're not here for violent confrontation. We want to show them that we are the majority, that the local people and the local businesses support us and believe in what we're saying."

Avon and Somerset Police have said that no arrests were made or offences reported on the day, although the police twice used dispersal powers to remove people from the area over anti-social behaviour concerns.