Theo Hercules, Worcester Socialist Party
On 28 February, the ‘Patriots of Worcester’ group organised an anti-asylum seekers protest in Worcester, just outside the Fownes Hotel, where a few asylum seekers are housed. The protest began at around 11.30am with speeches from the ‘Patriots’ on the High Street. Shortly after, the Rally 4 Unity counter-protest, organised by Worcestershire Against Hate and the Trades Union Council, gathered nearby.
The counter-protest was made up of anti-racism organisations, political organisations and trade unions, including members of the Socialist Party.
At the hotel, the protesters were held in place by a cordon of police officers, while the counter-protesters were behind a metal fence. A number of ‘auditors’ were live-streaming or otherwise filming the counter-protest as a method of intimidation. The counter-protest held firm until 4pm, by which point the last of the ‘Patriots’ had left. At the protest’s peak there were only around 80 protesters and 350 counter-protesters, which sent a clear message that Worcester stands firmly against hatred and will always support those in need.
