Anti-racism group set to protest in the city
AN anti-racism group has condemned those who protested against asylum seekers being housed at hotels in Coventry at the weekend, calling them “thugs”.
Now, a counter-protest has been planned to show support for refugees in the city.
The event, organised by Stand Up to Racism Coventry will take place today in Broadgate at 5pm.
Organisers said the protest will spread the message “Britain First Out of Coventry, Refugees Welcome Here”.
All like-minded people are invited to go along.
After the demonstration, protesters will go to the Coventry Hill Hotel and take food to show support for the residents.
Disorder broke out at two hotels in Coventry on Saturday afternoon.
Britain First carried out protests against asylum seekers being sheltered by the government.
Police were called to Coventry Hill Hotel in Allesley.
Two men were later arrested outside the Royal Court Hotel in Keresley.
One man has since been charged with common assault.
The protests have been condemned by the city’s MPS.
Taiwo Owatemi, who represents Coventry North West, wrote on Twitter saying that “Britain First does not represent the vast majority of Coventry.”
Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South, said: “Fascists are not welcome in Coventry. We are proud to be a City
of Sanctuary and we will stand up to the far right.”
In a press release, a spokesman for the group said: “Coventry is a city that has always opposed racism and intolerance and welcomed migrants.
“Far from ‘living in luxury’ asylum seekers placed in the Coventry Hill Hotel have to live on just £5 a week for men, £10 for women, to pay for everything except accommodation.
“They are prevented from working until their claim has been assessed, which can often take years.
“They bring a wealth of skills and experience to the city and once given refugee status can make a vital contribution to the local economy.”