Both sides of the immigration row protest in city

CHANTS of “stop the boats” and “send them back” were countered by “refugees are welcome here” when another Saturday saw opposing groups of protesters take to the streets in Newcastle city centre.

- By SAM VOLPE Reporter

One demonstration was organised by the Great British National Protest body opposing the use of hotels to house those seeking asylum, while a counter-protest led by the Newcastle Unites group and Stand Up To Racism was also held.

Former North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll was present with the latter groups - and said he felt the anti-migrant protesters were “shouting at the wrong targets”.

He said: “Here in the city we have always had a real record of our community working together - and what I want to see is people building stronger communities. The thing is, if I was in Syria and there were bombs falling, I would be trying to get my family out.

“It is just a mistake to assume that the reason our NHS is underfunded is anything to do with people who are trying to get their kids out of a warzone.

“These people are shouting at the wrong target. What they should be doing is campaigning for things like a wealth tax and public ownership of the water industry.”