HUNDREDS gathered in Bournemouth for planned anti-immigration and counter protests.
The demonstration, organised by a group called Bournemouth Patriots, saw people wave Union Jack flags and chant “stop the boats,” along with other slogans calling for an end to asylum seekers being housed in hotels in Bournemouth.
The protest followed a pre-agreed march from Bournemouth Pier and ended in Meyrick Road, where the Bournemouth Patriots and counter protesters from organisations including Unison and Stand Up to Racism were kept apart in designated zones.
Julie, who attended the Bournemouth Patriots protest, said: “We’re not far right, we’re not fascist.
“We’re caring parents who care about our children. I’ve got a 14-year-old daughter, I want her to be safe walking around.”
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On the other side of Meyrick Road, counter protesters chanted: “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”
Among them was Carrie Hartridge from Unison, who described the opposing group as “fascists.”
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She said: “I am here representing Union and the thousands of people being affected by these flags and marches and who are frightened.
“These people say they are protecting women and children, but how many of them attended women’s marches. I don’t need to be protected by fascists.
“We need migration in this country, these people are the backbone of the NHS and are being used by a much bigger power to cover up problems in society.”
Rebecca, who was with the Bournemouth Patriots, countered: “I am here because of the illegal undocumented men in our country.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to house these people in a hotel next to a college. We know nothing about them.”
Many in the anti-asylum seekers group told the Echo their main concerns were around safety, fear of the unknown, and why their taxes were being spent on housing asylum seekers. A large number also said they intended to vote Reform at the next general election.
The counter protest, however, stressed the importance of empathy and education.
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Mark Sage, from Stand Up to Racism, said: “Migrants and people from all religions are our friends, neighbours and colleagues.
“There is a history of racism in this country being used as an excuse for much bigger societal issues, and sadly asylum seekers are being used as a scapegoat.
“To protest outside a hotel, is disgusting and if it was someone house on a street the police would put a stop to it.
“We try to be a visible presence for the people who are welcome here.”
East Cliff and Springbourne councillor Sara Armstrong added: “The Human Rights Act 1998 protects us all. And under the 1951 Refugee Convention, we all have the right to claim asylum. That is not illegal – it is a fundamental human right.
“Yet instead of defending those rights, we see precious police resources tied up outside hotels – pulled away from where they are really needed in our communities.”
Dorset Police said they were able to ‘minimise disruption’ during the protests, due to their pre-emptive measures such as, dividing protests into zones.
Assistant chief constable Steve Lyne, of Dorset Police, said: “We are pleased to report that both protests in Bournemouth on Saturday remained peaceful and there were no reports of disorder, with only one person asked to leave the area for being drunk in a public place.
“Our priority at events like this is always to keep people safe and we have been working hard to facilitate the right to peaceful protest while balancing the use of legal powers to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We’ve been in consistent contact with both groups since they indicated to us that they would be exercising their right to protest, and I am grateful for the engagement they have undertaken with us.
“On the day we policed the protest with support of additional officers from outside Dorset, and our highly visible policing approach enabled lawful protest, prevented crime and provided a reassuring presence for the public.”
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