Second rival rally against Dudley far-right group march
A second rival protest has been announced to counter a demonstration in Dudley by far-right group Britain First.
The Unity Rally will join war veterans under the name of 'I'm a UK veteran and not a racist, and proud of it' in the town on May 9.
They are aimed at countering the planned demonstration being held by Britain First, who say more than 2,000 members will protest on the day at plans for a new mosque. It will take place just three months after the town was brought to a standstill by protests from members of the English Defence League.
Police have held talks this week with Dudley Central Mosque and Dudley Muslim Association regarding safety on the day.
Organisers of the counter demonstration said they must stand to protest in solidarity with the town's Muslim community.
Spokesman for the Unity Rally, Jerry Langford, said the group would work with police to ensure it was a peaceful protest.
The group, which was behind a similar counter protest for the EDL march, will hold the event in Castle Street from 11am to 3pm, featuring live music and food.
The statement from Mr Langford said: "Dudley Unite Against Fascism, supported by Dudley Trades Union Council, have called a Unity Festival in Dudley on Saturday May 9 to stand in solidarity with Dudley's Muslim community who they are directly attacking, and send a message that Dudley stands united."
He added: "We are trying to persuade West Midlands Police not to allow Britain First to march through Dudley and disrupt traders or the town itself."
Dudley Central Mosque and Dudley Muslim Association spokesman Amjid Raza said the groups had held positive talks with Chief Inspector Phil Dolby on Wednesday.
Mr Raza said: "We raised our concerns about these sort of protests. We respect people's right to protest but not if it affects other people's right to free movement."
"At the moment there is not many details over the specifics of what will happen on the day. We want reassurance of how the police are going to ensure the safety of shops and passers-by."
Police plan to hold a second public meeting for residents and traders to air their views about security and other worries and to find out about the police operation on Wednesday from 6pm at Dudley Council House.
Traders have already voiced concerns about the impact on businesses on May 9.
Britain First claim on the group's Facebook page that 2,100 people have pledged to attend and will meet at 1pm on the Flood Street car park.
