Plymouth is bracing for major disruption tomorrow evening as hundreds are expected to attend a protest and counter protest in the city centre.
Large crowds are expected around Royal Parade and the Sundial, and Devon and Cornwall Police are planning a visible police presence to keep people safe and to manage disruption.
Flag Force Plymouth says it will hold its third event at 6pm by the crossing near Poundland on Royal Parade encouraging supporters to bring to Union Flag or the St George’s Cross and to wear patriotic clothing.
The group has asked attendees not to cover their faces, not to engage in violence, aggression or hate speech, and not to retaliate to provocation. Their stated aim is to show Plymouth City Council that people remain proud of national symbols and to oppose the removal of them.
A counter protest organised by Plymouth anti-fascists is due to start at 5pm at the Sundial before moving towards Royal Parade. Organisers say they want to challenge what they view as the rise of the far right and the scapegoating of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
A flyer shared online urges people to stop racist intimidation and calls for a strong stand against hate.
Each side insists it rejects discrimination and violence, yet they set out very different reasons for protesting. Flag Force Plymouth frames the event as a display of national pride and civic voice. Plymouth Anti-fascists say they are responding to what they believe is the normalisation of far right rhetoric.
Members of the public who plan to be in the city centre on Saturday evening may wish to allow extra time for travel and to check transport updates.
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