Brighton and Hove Police will have an increased police presence in the city this Saturday (23 April) in case of any potential disruption on St George’s Day.
Although no plans for any nationalist marches here have been announced, the huge scale of problems experienced during March for England demos and counter-demos in previous years means the force is taking no chances.
March for England said it would take a break in 2015 but return in 2016, but no march appears to have been arranged. A celebration by Stop the March for England about the lack of nationalists in the city will be taking place on The Level from 1pm.
Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp said: “The safety and wellbeing of the public is paramount and therefore as a precaution, you will see a larger police presence in the city this weekend.
“As previous organisers have not communicated with us, it is impossible at this stage to say what – if any – disruption could be caused.
“At this stage we are not expecting to see large numbers of protest groups, and we are encouraging people to go about their business as usual. We will keep the public updated with any developments on the force website and also through our official social media channels.”
A spokesman for Stop the March for England said: “Over the last few years, St George’s Day in Brighton has been a battleground as far-right nationalists and racists from the EDL and March for England descended on our town to spread a message of hate and divison.
“Year after year Brighton rallied against them, disrupting, blocking, outnumbering and drowning out their marches, and finally, they gave up. Unity and diversity won out against racism and nationalism.
“First off, March for England retreated to Blackpool, hoping for a warmer reception there, and finally, they’ve given up all together. They’ve organised NO event this year, and we intend to celebrate!
“We’ll be using the day we’ve taken back from the far-right to hold a Refugee Solidarity rally and event, starting at the Level at 1pm.”
Organisers of any protests on 23 April can still contact Sussex Police by emailing Sergeant Mark Redbourn on mark.redbourn@sussex.pnn.police.uk or by calling 07826 904294.
OK, what’s a “Refugee Solidarity rally” and why is it being held here in Brighton rather than where the refugee/immigrants are?
Off topic – how come every article now has an advert for “We’re hiring! Las Iguanas” in it?
well said Chris why is everything about our culture being hijacked ??
this is a St.Georges day event which means a celebration of English culture .But yet again they have to bring the flipping refugee BS into it ….It has no place whatsoever and is being done to try and inflame action .. While yet again taking over and away from British people .. There is a time and a place for everything and this is neither the time and in the wrong place …they should hold it in France
If there is violence, it will have been instigated by UAF (Unite Against Free speech), students and members of the Green Party…
Shut up you moron!
Oh dear, truth obviously hurts you, doesn’t it?