Ugly scenes broke out this afternoon as far-right protesters held a rally in York city centre. Anne Marie Waters, the anti-Muslim leader of the For Britain party, attempted to make a speech in front of a group of her supporters in St Helens Square. She was shouted down by a large group from York Stand Up To Racism, chanting “Say it loud, say it clearly, refugees are welcome here”. York Theater Royal #ad York Stand Up To Racism in their counter protest They were face to face, separated by crash barriers set up by the police. Thanks to voices from the York anti-racism demonstration, far-right speakers struggled to be heard. There was a heavy police presence around the square of Agia Eleni. Several of the far-right protesters made obscene gestures towards the counter-demonstration. On more than one occasion, the police intervened to protest with pro-British supporters. Meanwhile, York shoppers thronged the surrounding streets. The York Stand Up To Racism rally arrived early and was in place with placards declaring ‘All refugees welcome’. Police on the steps of Mansion House Some of those at the York Stand Up To Racism rally A speaker addresses the rally Police set up two pens for each demonstration
