Hundreds of police officers are in Newcastle city centre as rival demonstrations take place on Saturday. The United to Stop the Far Right group and the Unite the Right group both planned events around lunchtime, amid rising tensions over immigration policies across the UK.
Background of the Demonstrations
The Unite to Stop the Far Right demonstration is organized by groups including Stand up to Racism North East, the Green Party, Majority, trade unions, and Newcastle Unites. Participants were expected to gather near the Civic Centre at 11am. The Unite the Right rally follows similar events over the past year, including those targeting hotels housing migrants.
Police Measures and Public Safety
Northumbria Police warned the public that a Section 60 order is in place until 6pm, allowing officers enhanced stop and search powers to preserve public safety. Police urged anyone with concerns to approach an officer on duty.
Statements from Organizers
Newcastle Unites described the unity rally as a response to the far right's "message of hatred and division." They stated: "Join us to once again demonstrate that: Newcastle is black and white and brown! We are the anti-racist majority! We say no to racism, no to hate! Refugees are welcome here!" They emphasized that the city is a diverse and tolerant place of sanctuary.
Unite the Right March
The Unite the Right march, organized by the Unite the Right UK group, was described in online posters as "against illegal immigration."
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