More than 1,000 anti-fascists and trade unionists are expected to take to the streets of Newcastle on Saturday to oppose the first demonstration in the UK by the anti-immigrant group Pegida.
The group’s protests in Germany have attracted tens of thousands of people but opponents said the event in Newcastle was likely to attract a few hundred mainly far-right activists.
“A hardcore of the usual suspects from the far-right fringe are due to turn up but it is unlikely to develop into anything more significant politically,” said Nick Lowles, of Hope not Hate, which monitors extremist groups in the UK.
Pegida, an acronym which translates as “patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the west”, convulsed Germany in January when it drew 25,000 protesters to a rally in Dresden at the same time as 100,000 people marched in honour of the victims of the Paris terror attacks.
Saturday’s demonstration would be its first attempt to spread the movement to the UK and opponents said the demonstration would be met by a large counter-protest supported by local MPs, Newcastle United fans, trade unionists and anti-fascists.
Weyman Bennett, of Unite Against Fascism, said: “UAF and Unite Newcastle are organising a sizable opposition to celebrate Newcastle’s multicultural and multifaith community which will be very well supported.”
Newcastle United fans have issued a statement opposing the planned demonstration.
The Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah said the protest had brought the city together. “Pegida is targeting Muslims in our community and we have to stand up and say it is wrong, Islamaphobia is wrong, anti-semitism is wrong, all racism is wrong, we can do better than this, we have done better than this when we saw off the National Front and the BNP [British National party].”
She added: “Our message is about strong communities, of all faiths and none, living and working peacefully and positively together. Their message is about hatred, bigotry and division. You will see that our message wins out tomorrow.”
The demonstration is due to start at 10.30am . Later the same day, Newcastle United are playing a home game at St James’ Park. Ch Supt Laura Young, of Northumbria police, said the force had plans in place to deal with the influx of people.
“I have had guarantees from both organisations that this will be a peaceful demonstration,” she said.
The protest is expected to attract a range of far-right activists, including groups that split from the English Defence League and senior figures from the BNP.
Lowles said one of the main threats was violence between rival far-right groups. “There is real animosity between these small groups so violence is a possibility.”
A spokesperson for Pegida said a turnout of between 500-700 was expected at the march, and that they were “not happy” that members of far-right groups were planning to join the protest.
