Councillor Rebecca Langton, portfolio holder for communities at Nottingham City Council has issued a statement after plans by ‘potential far-right groups’ to protest in the city tomorrow ( 22 August ).
Councillor Rebecca Langton, the portfolio holder for communities, said: “Over the last few weeks, Nottingham people have come together on a number of occasions to peacefully protest against racism.
“Our communities have stood united as a diverse and multi-cultural city, recognising that this is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together, but that there is more to do to tackle racism where it does exist in our city and our society.
“We are aware that this weekend, there is a possibility that people from outside Nottingham, potentially with links to far-right organisations, may travel to our city.
“These people and their views are not welcome in Nottingham, and we would urge them not to come to our city.
“Racism will not be tolerated on our streets and action will be taken against anyone seeking to cause disruption.”
Protesters say they are planning ‘a mass takeover’ and to ‘bring Nottingham to a standstill’ on Saturday, August 22.
Organisers have posted a video say they plan to meet at the BBC building on London Road at noon on Saturday before walking into the town centre for speeches between 1pm and 3pm.
Motorcyclists have also been told to gather at the war memorial on Victoria Embankment.
In a video posted on Youtube about the event, organiser Dean Cumberpatch said: “Saturday is about veterans and children and to bring awareness of the plight of veterans.
“We are going to do something different on Saturday, that will not be known to you until Saturday morning, and you’re either with us or you’re not.
“This has got to be a mass takeover of Nottingham. Bring Nottingham to a standstill.”
“We’re going to slow the traffic down around Nottingham.”
A press release issued by the Trades Union Council (TUC) claims the event is “being heavily backed by Tommy Robinson” and that a counter-demonstration is also planned to take place in Old Market Square from 10.30am in Old Market Square.
A spokesman for the TUC said: “We are working with Open Nottingham, Stand Up to Racism and others who believe in the multicultural nature of our city.”
Nottinghamshire Police said it is aware of the protest and the force has put plans in place to provide a safe environment for those attending, as well as keeping people living, working, visiting and travelling in and around the city centre safe, while doing all we can to help keep any disruption to a minimum.
Inspector Paul Gummer, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Our officers will be in the area to limit the disruption, however we anticipate there is likely to be an impact in and around the city centre and would advise visitors to factor this into their travel plans.
“The right to lawful protest is key part of any democracy, which UK police uphold and facilitate.
“Our priority on the day will be to ensure the safety of you – the public, to keep disruption to a minimum as we look to accommodate a lawful and peaceful protest and to deal positively with any criminal activity.
“You may see an increased police presence as we look to maintain security and offer reassurance.
“As always, if you have any concerns about any activity you see or believe a crime has been committed, please speak to an available officer or call Nottinghamshire Police using the 101 non-emergency number. Thank you.”
