Police have said they are aware of protests planned outside a hotel housing asylum seekers this weekend. A demonstration and counter-demonstration have been planned outside the Novotel Nottingham-Derby in Long Eaton.
The hotel was taken over by the Home Office last October, with some staff members losing their jobs. Our sister title Derbyshire Live reports that a demonstration against "immigration" has been scheduled for Saturday (February 25) followed by a counter-demonstration, organised by Open Nottingham.
A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "We are aware of plans for a protest on Saturday and officers are in the process of liaising with organisers." A flyer posted to Twitter by Yorkshire Rose, otherwise known as Amanda Smith, shows the anti-immigration protest planned for 12pm, with the counter-demonstration scheduled for 11am.
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The Times reported last week that Amanda Smith has visited more than 100 migrant accommodation centres in the last year and that her social media accounts feature 5G conspiracy theories and content from the fascist group Patriotic Alternative. The flyer posted by Yorkshire Rose reads: "Protect your children. Protect our women. Protect our interests. Enough is enough."
It also reminds participants the planned protest will be peaceful. It said the demonstration has been organised by local residents and does not associate with any right-wing groups.
Open Nottingham, a group which said it was formed to make Nottingham safer and more democratic, will be attending in support of asylum seekers. In a tweet, the group said: "We are hearing of a far-right anti-migrant demo in Nottingham being advertised for Saturday. A counter-demo is also being planned."
Chris Triegenza, a spokesperson for Open Nottingham, said: "We will be making sure that the refugees know that there are people in the UK who welcome them." Chis said up to 100 people were expected to attend.
A woman, who Derbyshire Live understands is organising the anti-immigration demonstration, has been contacted for comment on two occasions.
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