Protests and counter-protests clash in Newcastle city centre amid heavy police presence

Anti-immigration protest and counter-protests take place across Newcastle city centre

A series of protests and counter-protests have taken place across Newcastle city centre.

On Saturday (27 September), UKIP supporters have marched through the city, calling for "mass deportations," with a counter-protest taking place nearby.

Anti-immigration protestors gathered at the Quayside, outside the Law Courts. Among them is Claire, from Newbiggin, Northumberland, who says "it's about time we start worrying about our own people."

"Britain used to be great, we ain't great no more.. we are a county on it's knees," she continued.

Debbie came from Chorley, near Preston to take part. She said the future makes her "scared" for her grandchildren and will continue to "fight" for mass deportations and a new Government.

UKIP supporters were seen holding up giant Christian crosses, as well as England flags, as they marched.

"This is the ninth crusade, it is a holy war, this is a spiritual war, and we are taking our county back," UKIP's leader Nick Tenconi had said.

A man dressed as a crusade taking part in the UKIP march. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

On Dean Street, counter-protestors gathered, with "stop the far right" and "Newcastle welcomes refugees" among the placards.

Mark from the group 'Fight Racism, Fight Imperialism', said: "We are here to say to them [anti-migration protestors] that they are not welcome here, and actually we are here to build solidarity and not division."

He went on to say that there are "concerns" over the "racists that will be here," adding that "the tensions are high, and people are worried about that situation."

One woman said: "I've lived in this city since 1979 and this is my city.

"I want us to be united, and united for good."

A brief clash between the groups, until the police separated them. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Thousands of people took part in the counter-demonstration, which made its way to Monument. North East mayor, Kim McGuinness, joined them.

In a post on X, the mayor said: "This is patriotism. This is pride. This is unity. This is a city and a region saying loud and clear- no to racism and no to a far right agenda seeking to divide us."So much love for our place and our people today. Thank you to everyone who came out and showed who we are."

Police were on the scene in large numbers, with measures in place to keep the public safe. Neighbouring forces, including from Cleveland and North Yorkshire police were also in attendance.

Northumbria Police have said that " a number of legal measures have been put in place to help keep people safe and minimise disruption."

This included enhanced stop and search powers, which allows officers to search people and vehicles.

Police have issued a map for which the orders are in place. Credit: Northumbria Police

"There will be additional police officers on duty and we would encourage anyone who has concerns to speak with them.

"These measures are in place to balance the right to lawful protest with the need to protect the wider community," Northumbria Police have said.

Far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson, and South African businessman Elon Musk, both back Advance UK. Credit: PA

Elsewhere, a launch event for a new political party - backed by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson and the billionaire Elon Musk - was taking place in the city.

Advance UK, led by former Reform deputy Ben Habib, was initially meant to have its event at the Crowne Plaza hotel. But, the council-owned hotel cancelled the event due to "health and safety concerns."

Writing on X on Tuesday, Mr Habib told supporters the party would still launch in Newcastle.

In a video, Mr Habib said that: "They tried to shut us down, they tried to prevent us from having our right to speak, our right to gather. But we will not be cowed"

In a social media post last month, Advance UK said it had chosen Newcastle, “the symbolic heart of Brexit” and vowed that it “will fight unapologetically for sovereignty, free speech, and restoring pride in our nation”.

The North East, Yorkshire & Humber Trades Union Congress (TUC) said in a statement: "Newcastle is rightly proud of its label as a “city of sanctuary.” Offering a home to those escaping genocide, war and persecution is a fundamental British value. While immigration has brought untold benefits to our region, economically and culturally.

"They talk about 'mass deportations,' and 'protecting British workers,' but their real mission is clear: To turn worker against worker. To dismantle unions. To destroy rights generations before us fought to win.

"The far-right are not welcome in Newcastle, and we stand with them as they do."

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