Anti-immigrant and anti-racism counter protestors demonstrate in Cannock for the fourth time
Anti-immigrant protesters held another demonstration in Cannock town centre today (Saturday).
Union Jack and St George flag waving protesters met in the town centre and headed to Roman Way to a hotel believed to house asylum seekers.
The numbers were believed to have been less than last week's protest which is similar to demonstrations in other towns, including Dudley, after the controversy sparked by The Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex.
Demonstrations under the Abolish Asylum System slogan were planned in major towns and cities around England, including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth,, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, Horley in Surrey.
In response, there was an organised counter-protest organised by Cannock Chase Welcomes Refugees, supported by NORSCARF (North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism) and Black Country Stand Up To Racism.
This is believed to be the fourth anti-immigrant protest and there was a specially made banner with "Welcome Home Lucy Connolly" unveiled in reference to the woman who was jailed for inciting racial violence during the riots last summer.
The banner also read 'Cannock Chase Does Not Welcome Refugees' which caused annoyance on social media from other residents who did not like being spoken on behalf of.
Gaz Litchfield said: "The sign says Cannock doesn't welcome refugees... refugees are those given legal status because they've passed the legal vetting system so by all intentions are legal."
Kate Perry said on social media: "Refugees are welcome from most of the British public, Cannock Chase included. They've had their papers checked and been granted asylum.Illegal entry on the other hand, make a stand by all means but the issue is with the government and how they handle them."
However, several people voiced their concern over illegal immigrants in the district.
Gillian Bromley said: "I've not got that flag but I do live in the district and everyone is fed up of free loaders who are all male. No papers so who knows where they are from or what they have done."
A joint statement from Cannock Chase Welcomes Refugees, supported by NORSCARF (North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism) and Black Country Stand Up To Racism warned against inflammatory language being used in the town.
The said: "We are calling on the local community to stand together in solidarity with people seeking asylum. In recent months, far-right activists have targeted the Roman Way Hotel, where asylum seekers are being housed, with protests fuelled by racist and dehumanising rhetoric.
"These demonstrations are not about protecting communities. They are designed to spread division and hatred. By contrast, our presence outside the Roman Way is to make clear that refugees are welcome here, and that Cannock Chase is a place of compassion, safety, and dignity.
"Hate speech and far-right activity put everyone at risk — including disabled people, women, men, and especially those seeking asylum who are already vulnerable."
There have been no reports of any arrests during the protests in Cannock.
