Police ready for Doncaster immigration demo and counter protest
It will be the second anti-illegal immigration march in Doncaster in recent months
Police in Doncaster say they are prepared for an anti-illegal immigration demonstration and counter protest due to be held in Doncaster this weekend.
Both protests are set to take place on October 25 - the second time both sides have held demonstrations in recent months.
Anti-illegal immigration protesters will meet in Regent Square at noon with a counter protest planned for Sir Nigel Gresley Square at 11.30am.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a planned protest and counter-protest this Sunday (25 October) in Doncaster city centre.
“As with all protests, our role at any planned events will be to balance the rights of those who wish to protest, together with those who may be impacted by it.
“While the majority of protests are peaceful, our officers will aim, where possible, to prevent any potential crime and disorder.
“If you see our officers around, then we encourage you to stop and speak to them about any concerns you may have – they are there to help and support you.”
Doncaster Stand Up To Racism, which is holding the counter protest said its demo would be a “peaceful counter protest against the far right in our city,” adding: “Unfortunately the far right racists and fascists are coming back to Doncaster to spread their hate and division.
“Doncaster is a multi cultural, multi faith city.
“We reject the politics of hate and stand shoulder to shoulder as one community whatever our skin colour, religion or backgrounds
“Please join our unity event - trade union banners welcome, speakers on the day. One Donny, one love.”
It comes after a similar protest in August when anti-illegal immigration protesters and counter stop racism demonstrators held marches and protests in the city centre.
The march saw both sides exchange angry words and some anti-illegal immigration protesters clashed with Vicar of Doncaster, the Rev Richard Frith inside Doncaster Minster, with police leading the clergyman away from the scene.
It is not clear who is behind the upcoming demonstration but flyers circulated online feature the slogans: “Stand up, speak out, stop the invasion” and “our people, our country first, from our villages to yours” as well as “DNRight Men and Women Unite.”
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Earlier this year, police kept the two sides apart as flag-waving protesters marched through the city centre from Doncaster Gallery, Library and Museum to Doncaster Minster - with Doncaster Stand Up To Racism organising a counter protest at Clock Corner outside the Frenchgate centre.
Demonstrators draped in Union flags and England flags shouted slogans including “stop the boats, “save our kids” and “send them back” as they marched along Hall Gate and High Street.
When the march met the Doncaster Stand Up To Racism protest at Clock Corner, police kept the two sides apart as both groups briefly exchanged words before police directed the Unite The Right protest towards Doncaster Minster.