Police set conditions for demonstration against use of hotel to accommodate asylum seekers.
The Metropolitan Police said there was a “heightened police presence” at a protest and counter-protest outside the Thistle City Barbican hotel in Islington, north London, on Saturday.
There will also be a protest rally and counter-protest outside The New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police said the protest against the use of the Islington hotel had been organised by local residents under the slogan “Thistle Barbican must go – locals say no”.
A counter-protest is also planned, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as other groups including Finsbury Park Mosque and the Islington Labour Party.
Police said the protest against the accommodation of asylum seekers in the hotel had “received support from groups outside the local community, which is likely to lead to increased numbers of participants”.
Among the online groups that have shown support for the protest are Patriots Britain and Together for Children.
The Metropolitan Police has announced plans to “respond to any protest activity near other hotels in London that are used to accommodate asylum seekers”.
Conditions for the protest against the accommodation of asylum seekers in the hotel include requirements that all participants must remain in King Charles Square, and that the event must not start before 1pm and end by 4pm.
Police said conditions for the counter-protest included staying on Lever Street, near the intersection with Centre Street, and that the gathering must start no earlier than 12pm and end by 4pm.
Chief Superintendent Clare Haynes, who is overseeing the police operation, said: “We have been in discussions with the organisers of both protests over recent days, building on ongoing engagement between local officers, community groups and partners.
“We recognize that all sides have strong beliefs.
“Our officers will maintain order without bias, ensuring that those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, while intervening at the first sign of activity that may become criminal.
“We used our powers under the Public Order Act to create conditions that prevent serious disorder and minimise significant disruption to people's lives and local businesses.
“These conditions define two separate protest zones where events must take place, meaning groups will be separated while remaining within sight and sound of each other.”
Advertisements have also appeared online for a protest called “For our children, for our future” to take place in Newcastle on Saturday outside The New Bridge Hotel.
Stand Up To Racism organised a counter-protest at the nearby Laing Art Gallery under the slogan “Stop the far right and fascists in Newcastle”.
A statement from the counter-protest organisers said: “Once again, far-right and fascist elements are intent on delivering their message of hate to Newcastle. They are attempting to exploit years of Islamophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and finger-pointing.”
“In Epping and elsewhere we have recently seen intimidation and violence directed against refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
“Newcastle, like the rest of the North East, has earned a reputation for unity in the face of those who seek to divide us. No matter how serious the problems, racism and division are not the answer.”
We have approached Northumbria Police for comment.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
