An anti-immigration protest and a counter-protest are currently taking place in Newcastle. The UKIP party has organised a demonstration calling for “mass deportations”, with members of the party expected to make speeches following the march.
There is also a counter-protest taking place simultaneously, with authorities advising that “significant numbers” are possible and police confirming that measures are in place to keep everyone safe.
It comes after Crowne Plaza hotel, which is owned by Newcastle City Council, cancelled a planned conference that it is understood would have seen the launch of a new political party, Advance UK, which is backed by Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk.
The council confirmed the event had been cancelled on “health and safety” grounds in a decision made by hotel management.
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UKIP marches back as protests disperse
The UKIP group has now marched back down Grey Street to the Newcastle Quayside.
Both groups on John Dobson Street were due to disperse at 3pm, and were kept apart from counter-protest groups by police.
Images from Newcastle as the two rival groups meet
Anti-immigration and counter-prosters are being kept apart by a thin blue line of police officers in Newcastle city centre as hundreds have gathered to march on the streets protesting about the migrant crisis.
Rival protest groups in Newcastle (Image: Newcastle Chronicle/Craig Connor)
Rival protest groups in Newcastle (Image: Newcastle Chronicle/Craig Connor)
North East Mayor says she is ‘proud’ of counter protest
Current North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has been to the counter protest at Monument in Newcastle city centre.
She told ChronicleLive: “I feel really proud and at the time it’s felt quite emotional. We’re seeing so much coverage of the far right and it feels like they’d been gaining traction.
“It’s the last thing we need in the North East and seeing this many people turn out from right across the city and the region to take a stand against racism is heartening, and gives you a real sense of hope and pride in the place.”
Police form a line keeping rival groups apart in tense scenes
Counter-protesters, with some waving Palestinian flags, have entered into a stand-off with police intervening to stop the two rival groups of marchers getting dangerously close to one another.
A statement earlier from the North East, Yorkshire & Humber Trades Union Congress (TUC) said: “Newcastle is rightly proud of its label as a “city of sanctuary.” Offering a home to those escaping genocide, war and persecution is a fundamental British value. While immigration has brought untold benefits to our region, economically and culturally.
“They talk about ‘mass deportations,’ and ‘protecting British workers,’ but their real mission is clear: To turn worker against worker. To dismantle unions. To destroy rights generations before us fought to win.
“The far-right are not welcome in Newcastle, and we stand with them as they do.”
Counter-protesters stand off with police (Image: Newcastle Chronicle )
The anti-migrant protest is halted by counter marchers
The UKIP protest, which started at midday at the Newcastle Quayside Law Courts, is now on the move.
It has gone up Mosley Street and Pilgrim Street.
ChronicleLve reports the protesters were not able to go up Dean Street due to the counter demonstration.
Large anti-migrant protests in Newcastle (Image: Newcastle Chronicle )
Police issue map covering area of the city where orders are in force
Northumbria Police are out in large numbers in Newcastle today and the force has issued a map of the areas in the city where public orders are in place.
A statement from Northumbria Police said: “Conditions are in place which specify where and when protest activity can take place. This includes following planned processions from The Monument and The Quayside, demonstrators being limited to gathering outside the Civic Centre and in John Dobson Street.
“Enhanced stop and search powers are also in place, allowing officers to search people and vehicles.
“A further order will require anyone within the city centre to remove face coverings used to hide their identity.
“There will be additional police officers on duty and we would encourage anyone who has concerns to speak with them.
“These measures are in place to balance the right to lawful protest with the need to protect the wider community.”
Map of zone where police orders in place (Image: Northumbria Police )
Former North of Tyne Mayor joins counter-protest
Former North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, shared an image of counter-protesting massing in the Dean Street area of the city.
Welcome to this LIVE blog covering the marches in Newcastle today
Good afternoon and welcome to this LIVE blog,
Follow our coverage for more updates.
The Express Team.
