THE government announced plans to speed up deportation decisions today, a move branded by campaigners as a disgrace and a concession to Reform.

Labour was accused of trying to out-racist the racists as thousands of campaigners, trade unionists and local residents hit back against a wave of anti-immigration protests that swept Britain this weekend.

Rallies organised under the “Abolish asylum system” slogan were held in dozens of cities and towns, with mobilisations backed by neonazi groups such as Homeland.

The protests followed far-right violence targeting a hotel housing refugees in Epping last month.

The High Court has since granted the council a temporary injunction to remove asylum-seekers from the hotel, prompting Reform’s Nigel Farage to call the protests an “inspiration.”

But there were bright spots: 500 anti-fascists humiliated a tiny group of 35 far-right protesters brandishing “Stop the boats” placards in Bristol on Saturday, Stand Up to Racism reported.

On Merseyside, Ukip leader Nick Tenconi planned to stage a far-right march from St George’s Hall to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital but was ultimately forced to abandon the route.

Hundreds of anti-fascist protesters blocked the “mass deportation” demonstration at every step, leaving police with no choice but to herd the far-right supporters in a circle.

Police made 11 arrests from different groups. Officers were seen using excessive force against anti-facist protesters.

In Perth, far-right protesters chanting “Get them out” in front of a Radisson Blu hotel were dwarfed by hundreds of anti-racists.

Perth Against Racism said in a statement: “Everyone has a right to be concerned about housing, about healthcare, about schools, about safety in our communities, but why do migrants come into it?

“They do not control the policies and systems that fail our communities. It’s the same old bigotry rebranded as concern about the community.”

Stand Up to Racism reported large far-right demonstrations outside hotels in Wakefield, where 300 had gathered, and in Altringham and Cheshunt where numbers reached 200 each. Further demonstrations were planned in Birmingham, Manchester and London and Norwich today.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, meanwhile, announced the introduction of a new asylum appeals process to speed up decisions on deportations.

Worryingly, the government will set up a new “independent” panel which will use adjudicators, rather than judges, to hear cases more quickly.

Ms Cooper said: “Already since the election we have reduced the backlog of people waiting for initial decisions by 24 per cent and increased failed asylum returns by 30 per cent.

“But we cannot carry on with these completely unacceptable delays in appeals as a result of the system we have inherited, which mean that failed asylum-seekers stay in the system for years on end at huge cost to the taxpayer.”

Her move comes after Mr Farage set out plans for mass deportations should he become prime minister.

His proposals will be set out in detail on Tuesday, according to the Times, and will include the arrest of asylum-seekers on arrival, automatic detention and forced deportation to countries such as Afghanistan and Eritrea.

Sabby Dhalu of Stand Up to Racism said: “The government’s latest concession to Reform UK is a disgrace.

“Farage announces mass deportations and the next day Labour announces the removal of judges to fast-track asylum appeals and increase deportations.

“Trying to out-racist the racists is catastrophically wrong and is costing Labour votes.

“We must turn the tide against this hostility, division and racism. We must continue to mobilise against the far right around the country.

“We must also mobilise in large numbers against Tommy Robinson’s festival of hate in central London next month, to defend asylum rights, unite against racism and fascism. All out on September 13!”