Police urged to ban 'hate-fuelled' protests ahead of far right march through Newcastle

Council chiefs in Newcastle have again called for the police to ban "hate-fuelled" far-right groups from marching in the city, ahead of a demonstration this weekend.

Fears have been raised by councillors about a Northeast Frontline Patriots march planned at the Monument on Saturday afternoon.

Labour councillor Rob Higgins told Wednesday night's full council meeting that the event was "simply designed to stir up hate in our communities", while Safe Newcastle chair Coun Habib Rahman pledged to once again ask Northumbria Police to stop such marches from being held.

Their comments came after the city's council leader, Nick Forbes, penned an open letter to Muslim communities to "condemn in the strongest possible terms the fact that such as event is taking place".

Police bosses say they must "respect the rights of people to hold such events".

Coun Rahman told the council meeting: "Hate-fuelled organisations bring nothing but their bigoted and racist views."

He added: "The sad reality is that we as a local authority do not have the power to ban them. The power lies with the police.

"I continue to have those discussions with the Police and Crime Commissioner, as has the leader of the council, each time extreme groups do express an interest to attend.

"We will continue to have those debates and discussions with Northumbria Police, they are the ones who can ban them."

In response to the far-right protest, a counter demonstration has been organised at Grey's Monument on Saturday lunchtime by Stand Up to Racism and Newcastle Unites.

In his letter, Coun Forbes wrote: "A week ago we held a moving vigil in the Cathedral for the victims of the Christchurch massacre.

"As well as remembering the names of those who were murdered, it was a powerful and visual demonstration of our city coming together to reject hatred and division.

"We committed ourselves anew to fighting prejudice, discrimination and racism in all its forms.

"It therefore both saddens and angers me that some from the far-right plan to hold a demonstration in Newcastle on Saturday.

"Whilst the council has no powers to prevent this from happening, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the fact that such as event is taking place.

"I would reassure you that we will continue to work with all our partners including Northumbria Police to find ways to prevent such a demonstration from taking place.

"I am fully aware how such events create fear and concern amongst our faith communities, and I want to reassure you that we will do everything we can to stand up to these thugs and promote a positive vision of diversity and equality in Newcastle."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We have a duty to appropriately and proportionately police protests, and we respect the rights of people to hold such events.

"Ensuring the safety of the public is our utmost priority, and the Force has extensive experience of policing such events.

"We always look to work closely with the organisers to ensure any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum, as well as offer reassurance to members of the public."