It comes in response to reports that the far-right were planning to stage a riot there on Wednesday evening, reports Kinga Plata

credit Mike Mantin via Wikimedia Commons

An antiracism group is set to stage a counter protest in support of targeted minorities in Finchley on Wednesday night (7th).

Organised by Stand Up to Racism Haringey, the event will be a gathering in support of asylum seekers and immigration lawyers, in front of Immigration and Nationality Services Office in Percy Road, North Finchley.

Under the slogan “refugees welcome – stop the far right” the group appeals to people to show their solidarity with those seeking a safe haven in the UK. The group says: “Defend asylum support centres. Don’t let the racists divide us.”

A second event organised by Wightman Road Mosque a “solidarity vigil” will take place on Thursday, 8th August at 7pm outside the mosque.

The event is not a counter protest but an expression of solidarity and its aim is to show that the community stands behind Muslims minority and will be held to “show we are united, strong and will not tolerate Islamophobic hate”.

Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, warned yesterday: “A service helping immigrants in Finchley has been included in a list of targets of far right groups planning actions this week. This is disgusting.

“I have been in touch with local community and faith groups as well as the police who have informed me of their policing plan.

“I urge residents of Finchley and Golders Green to remain calm and vigilant during this time. We will not let the far-right divide us. Our hope will conquer their hate. Those who perpetuate violence and hate will face the full force of the law.”

The counter-demonstrations come following a wave of far-right protests and riots that hit multiple cities across the country after the killing of three young girls in Southport on 29th July. Police say the unrest and disorder was further fuelled by false claims that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

In the aftermath, almost 400 people have been arrested, dozens of police officers have been injured as thugs throw missiles and set fire to police stations and high street shops.

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