Two protests were held in Dudley, drawing crowds and increased police presence across the town.
The demonstrations took place on Saturday, September 26, and were centred around the issue of immigration.
A ‘Stand up to illegal immigration protest’ was held in Coronation Gardens, opposite Dudley Council House, while a counter-protest by Stand up to Racism Black Country was held at the fountain.
UKIP leader Nick Tenconi addressed the crowd at Coronation gardens and called for unity among right-wing political groups in support of mass deportation.
In his speech, Mr Tenconi called on Rupert Lowe of Restore and Nigel Farage of Reform to join forces and “send them home.”
Following his remarks, the couple hundred people in attendance began chanting “send them home.”
Music was played over loudspeakers before the speeches began, including an anti-Palestine song and one which stated, “You can never trust a leftie with your kids.”
The protest was a peaceful one, as crowds waved various national flags, and started largely within the gardens.
(Image: James Burns)
Just around the corner, a counter-protest organised by Stand up to Racism Black Country also took place peacefully.
The Stand Up to Racism Black Country protest (Image: James Burns)
Speakers at the event urged the public not to blame social issues on solely immigration and held signs criticising Christian nationalism.
(Image: James Burns)
Other placards declared, “Refugees welcome.”
Both events remained peaceful and there were no reports of violence or unrest.
A police presence was maintained at both locations, and the two groups did not come into contact during the demonstrations.
The counter-protest was supported by several civic leaders in Dudley, who issued a joint statement ahead of the events.
They said: “Dudley is a multi-cultural, peaceful place to live and therefore it is alarming that the far right are seeking to provoke hatred and division by organising a protest that targets 5 properties in the Borough.
“We, the undersigned, are further alarmed that the national far right politician, Nick Tenconi, has been invited to attend along with calling for the far right across the country to descend on Dudley.
“We want Dudley to remain a peaceful multi-cultural town where people of different faiths, no faith and different heritage backgrounds live and work together without the scapegoating of minorities or racial conflict.
“We call upon the far right, including Nick Tenconi, to stay away from Dudley and leave us in peace.”
The statement was signed by Councillor Steve Edwards, leader of the Black Country Party Group, Councillor Shaukat Ali, leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Ryan Priest, leader of the Liberal Democratic Group, Dudley Trades Union Council, and the board of trustees, imams, and teachers of Dudley Central Mosque & Muslim Community Centre.
Both protests concluded without incident.