'I’m proud that Warwick stood up against hate' says MP as peaceful protest turns ugly, with Nazi salutes outside Shire Hall

On Saturday February 7, protesters gathered outside Shire Hall in Warwick’s market square, as part of a peaceful protest organised by Patriotic Alternative.

But they were outnumbered by counter-protesters, who were keen to express their view that immigrants and asylum seekers were welcome in the county.

A large police presence was also in the market square to help keep the two groups separate throughout the protests.

However, some of the anti-migrant protesters were spotted making Nazi salutes during the protests, flying a flag with a form of Swastika, calling themselves “Aryan Front”.

Due to the protests, some business owners made the decision to close for the day and although Warwick’s weekly market still went ahead, it was a smaller event due to some stall holders deciding not to attend.

Patriotic Alternative supports the deportation of people of "migrant descent" - and during the protest, they said: "We are her to protest against the housing of illegal migrants in Warwick."

There were also chants of "send them back" from the protesters, while the counter protesters chanted "say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here".

Community praised

Following the protests, Matt Western, the MP for Warwick and Leamington, praised the community for ‘standing up against hate’.

On Sunday (February 8), Mr Western said: “Today I’m proud.

“Yesterday the people of Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash (plus others from Coventry) – a couple of hundred of them – staged a counter protest against those that would seek to divide us and sow hate in our communities.

“They were there to counter the demonstration by a far-right group calling themselves Patriotic Alternative.

“In fact, as I posted on Friday, they were the cover for several other groups that also attended.

"At first there were several Welsh flags among them – a slightly curious sight in the heart of England. Then others appeared. It sickens me to have to tell you that there were speeches urging for the forced deportation of any non-whites.

“This is racial hatred. If there was any doubt, there were individuals giving Nazi salutes, one I’m told crying ‘Heil Hitler’ and another brandishing a flag with a form of Swastika for the group calling itself “Aryan Front”.

The demonstration was ‘peaceful’ but provocative. From the videos I’ve seen the police did well not to rise to their baiting.”

He added: “I know there are people here in the community that are concerned about illegal migration and those concerns are legitimate. What is not legitimate is people parading on the steps of Shire Hall giving Nazi salutes and spewing racist hatred.

“Meanwhile, some shops remained shut, shoppers stayed away, others got in private security while some market traders stayed away. Our town centre was not ours for a few hours.

“Late last week I checked in with the police and the council. Then I spoke with one business owner on Friday night to check what precautions they were taking.

"Now I’m hearing that certain individuals from – and businesses in – our towns are being targeted online by those who have travelled from afar.

“We must not be divided. Please stand together. Please support those town centre businesses that have been affected. Because we are better.

“We are Warwick.”

Oliver Jacques, town councillor for the All Saints and Woodloes ward in Warwick, also praised the community.

He said: “It was reassuring to see so many Warwick residents turn out to oppose, and heavily outnumber, the Patriotic Alternative demonstration on Saturday in the market square.

"Individuals and members from different political groups, including the Liberal Democrats, united to make it loud and clear that hate-filled, racist vitriol has no place in our town.

“I came across a leaflet left by Patriotic Alternative in a local pub, which clearly conflated 'migrants' and 'illegal migrants' inter-changeably, and screamed 'Close The Borders'.

“So many public services, such as the NHS and care services, and industries including construction, agriculture and hospitality continue to rely on immigration. Most migrants of working age contribute to the economy of this country and pay their taxes, and often bring in specialist skills.

“More can be done to tackle illegal immigration such as strengthening international return agreements and being tougher on illegal working and the smuggling gangs.

"And more can be done to successfully integrate immigrants into British values and institutions. I support such measures.

"However, this country has a long and proud history of welcoming immigrants and their role in contributing successfully to our economy, and enriching and diversifying our culture.”

Police presence

Although officers kept the two groups separate, video footage shows members of the anti-migrant protest clashing with officers.

This included far right agitator and former football hooligan Ryan Ferguson. Footage shows Ferguson getting shouting in officers’ faces and pushing them as well as making the Nazi salute with members of ‘Aryan Front’. He claimed officers were attacking him.

Others attending for the anti-migrant protest included Tony Martin, leader of the National Front.

The video can be seen by clicking here

A spokesperson from Warwickshire Police said: “On Saturday February 7 from midday, a protest was held in Warwick town centre.

“We had a robust policing plan in place to ensure the safety of all who were attending and for the wider public, as we would for any protest or demonstration.

“A consistent police presence was maintained in the town centre for the duration of the demonstration.

“No arrests were made on the day in relation to the protest.

“We extend our thanks to our partners, the community of Warwick, and everyone who co-operated with us in attendance.

“We are pleased to note that the market and other events in Warwick were able to continue as normal with minimal disturbance.”

The spokesperson added: "A man was arrested, but not in relation to the protest - he was wanted for breach of a court order, and our officers recognised him nearby."

Officers from the local policing team have praised everyone for their co-operation on the day.

A spokesperson from Warwick Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) said: “Thank you to our partners, the community of Warwick, and everyone who co-operated with us in attendance at the protest.

“We maintained a presence throughout the protest, which took place outside Shire Hall from midday, to ensure the safety of all attendees.

“We are pleased to note that the market and other events in Warwick were able to continue as normal with minimal disturbance.”

CJ’s Events Warwickshire, which organises the weekly market, also praised Warwickshire Police for their work during the protests which meant the market could still go ahead.

A spokesperson from CJ’s Events Warwickshire said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to our partner agencies for their support in Warwick yesterday.

"With planned protests in the area, we worked closely with Warwickshire Police, Warwick Police and Warwick District Council to ensure Warwick Market could still take place safely and with minimal disruption.

“We respect the right to protest, but our priority remains supporting our independent traders, who rely on markets for their livelihoods. By working together, we were able to make sure the market could go ahead as usual.

“While we completely understand why some traders chose not to attend, we’re really grateful to those who did, and to the visitors who continued to support them.”

They added: “We know situations like this can feel unsettling, and we appreciate the reassurance and visible presence of Warwickshire Police, which helped create a safe and supportive environment for everyone on site.

“Warwick Market returns this Saturday as normal, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to support local businesses.”