‘We will not succumb to hatred’ Hundreds join protest against Trump and Brexit – and in support of migrants

More than 300 people marched through the streets of Canterbury on Monday in a protest against Donald Trump and Brexit – and in support of migrant workers.

Waving placards and chanting slogans, the protesters left the Dane John Gardens at 5pm and processed through the city before reaching Rose Square for a rally.

Organiser Hannah Uglow, a criminal solicitor, said: “We will not succumb to the politics of hate and division and we will not be party to this hatred and division.

“We do not welcome the alienation that Brexit has brought to our communities. “We have to raise our voices.” Among those marching were students from the city’s universities, the Kent Anti-racism Network, gay rights activists and toddlers.

They carried placards attacking Trump and Brexit, as well as banners welcoming refugees.

Canterbury’s Labour Party was also represented by prominent campaigner Rosie Duffield, Northgate ward city councillor Alan Baldock and defeated 2015 general election candidate Hugh Lanning.

The march was part of a national protest called One Day Without Us: National Day of Action, celebrating migrant workers ahead of an anti-donald Trump rally.

It billed itself as against Trump, called for a united Europe and asked people to imagine a soci- ety without migrant workers.

Police were present in the Dane John Gardens and throughout the protest.

Marieka Schenck, 18, who is originally from the US, was among those who attended. She said: “This is the first protest that I’ve been to.

“It’s not because I’m against the fact that Trump was elected, but it’s that sexism and the racism is being normalised and we have to oppose that.”

Savannah Sylken added: “This march was a celebration of diversity, unity, community and humanity.”

However, others took to social media to condemn the march.

John Lamont said: “By saying refugees are welcome here, you are just encouraging people traffickers, who are criminals.

“We need to find a way to stabilise the countries they come from so they can return in safety.”

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Protesters opposed to Trump and Brexit marched through Canterbury, and held a rally in Rose Lane, right