UK Police Face ‘Chronic Pressure’ Amid Surge in Protests Over Asylum and Gaza

Published: 03 September ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Police forces across the United Kingdom are facing unprecedented strain as a surge in protests over the migrant crisis and the war in Gaza places increasing demands on law enforcement. According to figures released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), forces managed 3,081 protests between June and August 2025, the highest three-month total in three years.

This figure surpasses the 2,942 demonstrations recorded over the same period in 2024 and represents more than a threefold increase on the 928 protests during the summer of 2023. NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens described the situation as putting officers under “chronic pressure,” urging political and community leaders to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.

“It is clear that community tension and division are increasing,” Stephens said. “Everyone in a leadership position, including policing, has a responsibility to reduce and diffuse tensions rather than sow division.”

The latest wave of protests includes demonstrations at hotels housing asylum seekers and public backlash against the Home Office’s recent designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Authorities are preparing for up to 40 additional protests over the coming weekend, including a major London demonstration in which up to 1,000 participants have pledged to risk arrest in support of the banned group.

Stephens highlighted that, unlike last summer’s acute disorder, the current protest activity represents sustained, chronic pressure on police forces. A recent wellbeing survey revealed that 55 percent of constables are experiencing persistent physical fatigue as a result of ongoing operational demands.

While dismissing claims that the UK is on the verge of widespread civil disobedience as “exaggerated,” Stephens acknowledged the serious impact on officers’ workloads and mental health. He emphasised that police fully support the right to peaceful protest but warned that the existing infrastructure is outdated and insufficient to meet the scale of current challenges.

“The officers, staff, and volunteers who respond to these protests are the same people responsible for everyday policing, investigations, neighbourhood duties, and roads policing,” Stephens said. “We have no extra resources dedicated solely to public order or safety; all of this comes from day-to-day duties.”

The financial cost of managing sustained protest activity, he added, is significant, diverting officers from priorities such as reducing knife crime and violence against women and girls.

In response, policing leaders are calling for major reforms in the structure and funding of forces in England and Wales. A government white paper on potential changes to the service is expected in the coming months. Chiefs are advocating for stronger national coordination, faster decision-making processes across the 43 forces, and a reevaluation of funding allocations.

Stephens concluded, “We are asking too much of our current infrastructure and personnel. Without investment and reform, the police cannot continue to meet the demands placed on them while maintaining service standards for the public.”