A far-right protest is set to take place in Blackburn on Saturday, sparking concerns about potential violence and disruption. The event, promoted by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, a known far-right agitator, comes in the wake of riots in Southport following the fatal stabbing of three children. Lancashire Police has announced that it is aware of the planned protest and has put in place measures to manage the event and prevent serious disruption. However, the police have also warned that the situation is being closely monitored and that any violence or disorder will not be tolerated.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has confirmed that no prior notice of the event was given to the police, and an anti-racism counter-protest is expected to take place from midday. The council has also announced that traffic management preparations are in place to minimize disruption to the community. The exact number of attendees is also unknown, but authorities are preparing for a large turnout.
In a statement, Independent MP Adnan Hussain urged people in the town to avoid engaging with the protest, saying it could lead to riots and violence. He also condemned the exploitation of the tragedy in Southport by fringe factions, saying it was “despicable” and “unacceptable”. “It is my understanding that one such protest is advertised on social media for this Saturday in Blackburn, although no official arrangements have been made via the relevant authorities,” said MP Hussain. “I believe lines of dialogue must be opened in order to put people’s concerns and fears at ease, and to ensure all measures are taken to safeguard our communities and children going forward, so that events like the one experienced by the community of Southport this week are never witnessed again.”
The MP has been in close conversation with relevant authorities, including the police, and has been assured that the matter is being taken very seriously. He has also spoken with community leaders, including places of worship throughout the town, to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation and the measures in place to keep the community safe. “I would urge all members of the community to aid the police and authorities in doing their job by staying away from any announced place of protest,” said MP Hussain. “We cannot have our community and town torn apart by riots, clashes or violence. We must trust and aid the police and authorities in carrying out their jobs by ensuring that we as a town upkeep the peace no matter the circumstances.”
The protest is due to take place outside Blackburn Town Hall, although no time for its start has been announced. The event is expected to attract a large crowd, and authorities are urging people to avoid the area to prevent any potential violence or disruption. The safety of all members of the community is paramount, and authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can go about their daily lives without fear of violence or disruption.
In light of the planned protest, the community is urged to remain calm and vigilant. Anyone with concerns or information about the event is encouraged to contact the police or local authorities. The police are working closely with community leaders and local businesses to ensure that the event passes peacefully, and are urging people to report any suspicious activity or behavior.
The community is also being urged to support the anti-racism counter-protest, which is expected to take place from midday. The counter-protest is being organized by local community groups and is expected to attract a large crowd. The event is expected to be peaceful and is aimed at promoting unity and solidarity in the face of hate and intolerance.
In a statement, the organizers of the counter-protest said: “We are proud to be standing together against hate and intolerance in our community. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from fear and discrimination, and we will not stand idly by while hate and intolerance are promoted in our town. We urge all members of the community to join us in promoting unity and solidarity, and to reject the hate and intolerance that is being promoted by the far-right.”
The planned protest and counter-protest have sparked concerns about the potential for violence and disruption in the town. However, authorities are working closely with the community to ensure that the event passes peacefully, and are urging people to report any suspicious activity or behavior. The safety of all members of the community is paramount, and authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can go about their daily lives without fear of violence or disruption.
In conclusion, the planned protest and counter-protest in Blackburn are a complex and sensitive issue. While the far-right protest is expected to attract a large crowd, the anti-racism counter-protest is also expected to attract a large crowd and is aimed at promoting unity and solidarity in the face of hate and intolerance. Authorities are working closely with the community to ensure that the event passes peacefully, and are urging people to report any suspicious activity or behavior. The safety of all members of the community is paramount, and authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can go about their daily lives without fear of violence or disruption.