Derry politicians meet with PSNI ahead of planned anti-immigration demonstration

There have been calls for a planned anti-immigration demonstration in Derry not to go ahead.

The demonstration, which claims to be about protecting children, is planned to take place on Friday evening at Dale's Corner in the Waterside area of the city.

The demonstration is the first to be held in Derry following several nights of violence in Belfast.

The Parades Commission has confirmed it has not received any notification of intention to hold a public procession for the date and location indicated.

Mayor of Derry, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr said she has received assurances from PSNI Derry City & Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney that police are working to protect migrant communities across the city and district.

The Mayor met with Chief Superintendent Kearney in response to recent acts of racist violence in Belfast, and social media posts circulating locally calling for an anti-immigration protest.

She urged the PSNI and relevant statutory agencies to put adequate measures in place that will protect communities and provide reassurances around the safety of the public.

“The PSNI assured me that they will monitor the situation and have the resources in place to deal with any incidents and that they will be proactively engaging with all groups likely to be affected by any such protest.”

A Sinn Féin delegation also met with the leadership of the PSNI in Derry amid concerns over the demonstration.

Foyle MLA's Ciara Ferguson and Pádraig Delargy were joined by councillor Sandra Duffy in the talks.

Cllr Duffy said: “We had a positive discussion with the PSNI who are in no doubt about our position that such violence is utterly unacceptable, and that the priority now must be to protect people and property and face down racism, violence and intimidation.

“We will continue to monitor developments over the coming days and to work with all in an effort to prevent any violence or intimidation and to reiterate our solidarity, support and respect for our ethnic minority communities.”

Cllr Duffy also confirmed that her party is seeking a recall of Derry City and Strabane District Council in the wake of the recent violence.

United Against Racism Derry spokesperson Davy McAuley said racist demonstrations are not welcome in the city.

“The people who took part in the violence in Belfast need to take a long hard look at themselves. What we seen in Belfast wasn't about concerns over immigration but it was pure racism.

“These people and their views will never be welcomed in Derry,” Mr McAuley said.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin echoed those sentiments.

“I would discourage everyone from attending that rally,” Cllr Harkin said. “Anyone who is intent on causing violence is not welcome in our city.”

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: “In any democratic society there is a right to protest, but it must always be both peaceful and lawful. There have been disgraceful scenes in Belfast over recent days and there can be no justification for any attacks on people or property.

"Whilst there are people with genuine concerns which deserve to be aired, there have also been those on our streets who have nothing to offer society but hate, destruction and chaos.

“It is very easy for calls to be made on social media, and anyone considering attending such a protest should reflect on whether they have any knowledge of those who are organising it and whether they feel it will actually make a positive contribution towards our city or the concerns they may have.”

Meanwhile, a large crowd is expected to attend the Unity Against Division - Community Rally for Solidarity in Guildhall Square at 6.00pm this evening.