PROUD TO CALL NEWCASTLE HOME
Newcastle’s leading political figures hailed a “peaceful display of unity” in Newcastle, after anticipated scenes of violent disorder failed to materialise for the second time in four days.
On Wednesday night, thousands turned out in the West End to make a stand against violent riots that had swept the country in the previous week.
And it was a similar scene on Saturday, after the turnout for a counter protest organised by North East Says No to Fascism on Newgate Street far outnumbered that of the Enough is Enough protest at the Bigg Market.
Both protests remained relatively peaceful and Northumbria Police have confirmed that there were no arrests for disorder of violent offences, however, there were 14 arrests for a range of offences, including possession of an offensive weapon and failure to comply with orders in place in the city centre.
Police put a dispersal order in place at 3pm on the Bigg Market, while the majority of counter protesters had already left Newgate Street by that point.
Roads had re-opened before 4pm, as had Monument Metro Station, which had been closed since the start of service on Saturday.
Nick Kemp, leader of Newcastle City Council, said that police had done a “phenomenal job” and thanked them, as well as communities who showed Newcastle respect and ensure families could enjoy a safe day in the city.
Coun Kemp said on Saturday: “Across the country we have seen right wing agitators looking to divide our city and sow seeds of hatred.
“Today Newcastle showed them what we are about. This Geordie nation is incredible, it is inclusive, welcoming and diverse. That is in the DNA, it defines who we are.
“Newcastle is a City of Sanctuary where everyone should be able to be their true selves. I’m a truly proud to be an adopted Geordie, so proud to call this city my home.”
However, Coun Kemp, who spent the day in the city centre, said he was angry at the anti-immigration protests and that the violent disorder associated with them had left people feeling unsafe. He added: “I am angry that they have made some of our residents feel unsafe.
“That their actions have caused doubt among those who call our city home.
“Looking forward, we need to come together as a community to ensure our diverse communities can be confident and proud when they walk our streets.
“I convened a meeting of community leaders this week and that is the start of a dialogue.
“We are here, we are listening, and we are ready to act.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added that it was incredible to see a massive and peaceful display of unity in the city. She said: “This region has sent a message that racism and hate won’t be accepted on our streets.
“I’m so proud of our North East. Huge thanks to Northumbria Police. It’s been a tough week but they’ve done an outstanding job keeping everyone safe.
“Thanks to the Tyne and Wear Metro and local bus companies for keeping everyone moving with disruption to a minimum. All on a day when Newcastle United men and women are back in action at St James’ park too. It’s great that families are out enjoying the lovely North East summer sunshine across the region today.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said that the protests passing “largely without incident” was an “absolute credit to Newcastle and all its proudly diverse people.”
She said: “The city’s passion to not tolerate hate or violence has been inspiring and my hope is for us to keep building on this. There remains a big job to do to bring our country together and to recover from recent events; there are still people afraid and there are still people wanting to preach hate.
“Hopefully, today has shown we are a step closer towards putting recent scenes of unacceptable violence and harmful division behind us and we can focus on the recovery and taking action to end racism for today and for future generations. In the meantime, our police will continue to be out in force to keep our streets safe for everyone.”