'Who decides who's racist?,' says Doncaster Reform leader after immigration demo

The leader of Reform UK in Doncaster has launched an attack on Labour after a march againt illegal immigration in Doncaster describing it a counter protest against it as “Labour backed stroll through town” and adding: “Who decides who is racist?”

Coun Howard Rimmer has made the comments after last Sunday’s protests which saw Union flag and St George’s Cross waving protesters marching along Hall Gate chanting slogans such as “send them back,” “stop the boats” and “deport the lot,” while a separate counter protest by Doncaster Stand Up To Racism was also held in Sir Nigel Gresley Square, which Reform has condemned, accusing members of Mayor Ros Jones’ cabinet of sharing a platform with “far left agitators.”

A Reform UK spokesperson said: “Mayor Ros Jones was notably absent from the latest Stand Up To Racism demonstration, following the criticism of her previous appearance alongside the organisation.

“Perhaps Reform UK’s challenge had finally hit home.

“But Labour’s Cabinet clearly wasn’t deterred.

At least three Labour Cabinet members attended and spoke at the demonstration, sharing a platform with activists from an organisation with significant links to the far-left Socialist Workers Party (SWP).

“These are not simply people campaigning against racism. SUTR openly campaigns for open borders, to stop Reform UK, has celebrated the disruption of Reform meetings and defended confronting opposing political campaigners.

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“The SWP’s own publications identify SUTR co-convenor Weyman Bennett as a member of its Central Committee. The overlap is documented, not speculation.

Coun Rimmer described the anti-racism protest as “a purely Labour-backed stroll through town and said: “Who decides who is racist?,” challenging Labour for an answer to the question.

Also referring to anti-racism campaigner Tim Brown of Doncaster African Caribbean Support Group, the Reform spokesperson added: “There is a further question of consistency.

“The Mayor and her Cabinet have themselves faced accusations of racism from a member of the Caribbean Society. Why are those allegations seemingly treated differently?

“Opposing racism should never be a party-political exercise. Nor should the accusation of racism be used to silence legitimate political disagreement.

“The Mayor has stayed away this time. Three of her Cabinet colleagues have stepped forward instead.

“Doncaster residents are entitled to ask why local senior Labour politicians are so comfortable sharing platforms with a far-left campaigning organisation.”