Anti-racism campaigners, MPs and councillors have made it clear that anybody coming to Southampton to sow hate is ‘not welcome’ in the city.
Ukip leader Nick Tenconi is set to return today for an anti-immigration march through the city centre, after his previous planned speech in December was cancelled.
In a social media post in December, Mr Tenconi promised to show ‘no mercy, no diplomacy, and no surrender’ to ‘domestic terrorists’ upon his return.
But residents of the city have said that they will take to the Bargate today at 12pm to protest his return.
Satvir Kaur MP said she is proud to be a 'product of the city's rich diversity.' (Image: Supplied) Satvir Kaur, Labour MP for Southampton Test, said that she is proud to be a ‘product of the city’s rich diversity,’ making it clear that she will not accept ‘powerful billionaires thousands of miles away’ spreading hate.
READ MORE: Anti-racism groups to protest against anti-immigration UKIP rally
Ms Kaur said: “Southampton is the great place it is because of our diversity, rather than in spite of it. We have had people coming to make our city their home for thousands of years and it has made us resourceful, skilled, creative, talented and so much more.
“Anyone planning to come to our city to sow hate does not represent us.
“I’m proud to have been born and raised here, and I am beyond proud to live in and represent our great city, with people of all backgrounds, ages, races, faiths and more. I am a product of our rich diversity and it’s something I will always fight for.
“We are living in a more uncertain world, where disinformation has become the norm. Where powerful billionaires thousands of miles away are using their influence to spread hate. In Southampton, we won't let them. Not now, not ever.”
READ MORE: Protests set as 'take our city back' leaflets put through doors
Jayanti Shah MBE is an anti-racism campaigner who was honoured in 2020 for his work in improving race relations.
Jayanti Shah MBE, stood with former Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead. (Image: Supplied) He has lived in Southampton since 1968, but says that today is one of the ‘most dangerous times’ he has ever seen in the city for racial aggression.
Mr Shah said: “We are hoping there will be a rally today and a peaceful counter protest saying that these people are not welcome here.
“There is still a lot to do, but Southampton is comfortable with its diversity. That does not come by accident.
“But I’m afraid it is a battle which will have to continue.”
‘Southampton is a city of sanctuary’
Mr Tenconi - who has been Ukip leader since June 16 last year - promised to meet ‘soldiers of anarchy and chaos head on’ upon his return to the city.
But Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, issued a stark warning to anyone from either side looking to cause violence.
Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Lorna Fielker, confirmed police will be monitoring both protests. (Image: Supplied) She confirmed that the council will be monitoring both protests and police will be present throughout.
READ MORE: Protestors to rally as Ukip leader brings tour to Southampton
The ward member said: “Southampton has a long history of welcoming people from around the world and for being a city of sanctuary.
“While people have the right to peaceful protest, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with the police and partners to ensure that the event takes place without violence and destruction.”
Redbridge councillor Sally Goodfellow added: "Our city once before stood up against hatred and showed that in great numbers.
"Yes everyone has the right to peacefully protest for what they believe in but racism is not welcome here."
‘We are proud to be a city of migrants’
Leaflets from Ukip have been posted through doors in Southampton and Eastleigh, urging people to "take our city back" and calling for "no more illegal migrants."
In response, local groups come together to pen an open letter asking organisations and individuals to oppose Ukip’s planned anti-immigration march today.
Southampton Stand Up to Racism and Southampton Trades Union Council came together to put out the appeal, which has since been supported by MPs Sativr Kaur and Darren Paffey.
READ MORE: Southampton bar shuts and cancels planned Ukip event
Steve Squibbs, Secretary at Southampton Stand Up To Racism, said that his group are proud to stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with local politicians, charities, faith groups and trade unionists.
Secretary of Southampton Stand Up To Racism, Steve Squibbs. He says that the community has come together to fight hate and tell racists that they are not welcome here.
Mr Squibbs said: “We are proud to be a city of migrants and of our diverse, vibrant communities.
“We are calling on all who agree to join us on Saturday at 12 noon by the Bargate."
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