Liverpool Council leader condemns UKIP march on Slavery Remembrance Day
Liam Robinson says hate and division have no place in the city
Liverpool City Council has strongly condemned a planned UKIP march set to take place in the city centre on Saturday 23rd August, coinciding with Slavery Remembrance Day.
In an open letter, Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, voiced his opposition to the demonstration, highlighting the city’s history of diversity and unity.
Cllr Robinson said: “Liverpool is a city built on diversity, resilience, and unity. We are proud of our long-standing reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place, home to communities from all walks of life who contribute to the rich cultural fabric that makes Liverpool so special.”
While acknowledging the democratic right to protest, he warned that the march’s timing and route — including through Liverpool 8 and concluding outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital — risked causing distress and division.
Cllr Robinson added: “Let me be clear: hate speech, racism, and bigotry have no place in Liverpool. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the safety, dignity, or cohesion of our communities.”
He also expressed concern over the proximity of the march to the African Caribbean Centre, which will be hosting a community celebration on the same day, warning of “potential for disruption, distress, and intimidation”.
The councillor stressed that decisions to ban such demonstrations could only be made by the Home Office, but confirmed the council is working closely with Merseyside Police to safeguard communities.
Merseyside Police has confirmed it will deploy officers to oversee the UKIP march and any counter-protests, stressing it will respect the right to lawful protest while ensuring public safety. A spokesperson said: “We will not tolerate acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour, and we will be robust in our response to anyone involved in this type of activity.”
The Liverpool demonstration is part of a series of UK-wide protests under the “Abolish Asylum System” banner, with counter-demonstrations organised by Stand Up To Racism expected in several cities.
It's amid tensions outside asylum hotels in recent weeks, with opposing groups of protesters clashing over the treatment of asylum seekers.
Liverpool City Council has urged residents to stand in solidarity with peaceful counter-demonstrations and to ensure the city continues to be defined by “hope, not hate”.