Anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators gather outside Cannock hotel after march from town centre

Anti-immigration demonstrators with flags and counter-protesters with placards standing in two distinct groups have gathered outside the entrance to the Roman Hotel off the A5 Watling Street today (August 16).

Marshalled by police offficers, the groups initially gathered in Cannock town centre before marching in separate groups to the hotel, which is said to be housing refugees and asylum-seekers, shortly after midday.

Around two dozen police officers are at the scene monitoring the situation, after about 140 protesters from the main group came face-to-face with 40 counter-protesters carrying banners with slogans including Stand Up to Racism at its height. 

Retired factory worker Vanessa Whitton, aged 67 and of Cheslyn Hay, said: "I'm here supporting this protest because I'm worried about what kind of future my grandchildren and their children will have."

Retired motor worker Garry Bennett, aged 72 and of Tettenhall, said: "I'm here for the simple reason that there was a similar protest in Wolverhampton recently and there was only nine there.

"We need to take a stand because successive governments have been attacking our rights."

Food bank worker Jon Maltman, of Cannock Chase Welcomes Refugees, said: "We see a number of refugees and asylum seekers from hotels and houses in multiple occupation. They generally have not got enough money for food.

"in my experience there is an over-simplification of what immigrants get from the Government and it is less, not more, than what our citizens on benefits get. Immigrants and refugees face a tougher life."

An 18--year-old from Cannock who did not want to be named said: "Refugees and asylum seekers are humans. I prefer a future Britain where everyone is welcome."