FURTHER protests will be held in Oxford this week in response to violent scenes across the UK following the Southport stabbings.
A unity rally was held at Carfax Tower in the city centre on Monday evening by Oxford Stand Up To Racism amid anti-migrant demonstrations across the country.
Hundreds of left-wing protesters descended on Cornmarket Street holding aloft banners with messages such as “Refugees welcome here” and “Oppose Tommy Robinson”.
Police were present at the scene but were quick to assure the public that if anything were to arise, they would deal with it.
READ MORE: ‘Right-wing are having POGROMS’ say protesters in city centre
It has now been revealed that there will be more protests and planned demonstrations this week in the city.
At 7pm on Wednesday, August 7, protesters will assemble at Asylum Welcome on Magdalen Road.
Oxford Stand Up To Racism gave out leaflets at Monday’s protest which stated that they will “defend [Asylum Welcome] from the far-right” tomorrow.
There is also an emergency organising meeting to be held online at 6.30pm on Thursday.
Finally a national day of protest to “stop the far-right” will be held at Bonn Square at 11am on Saturday, August 10.
READ MORE: City centre ice cream cafe publishes CCTV footage after being ‘broken into’
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“Those murders in Southport are of course horrific,” said protestor Pat Carmody.
“It is a community trying to grieve, and the right-wing is trying to exploit this.
“What we have seen over the last four or five days are pogroms.
“Black people are being singled out; Asian people are being pulled out of their cars.
“They want to strike fear into these communities but we stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
READ MORE: Major delays after lines blocked at Oxfordshire rail stations
A statement from Asylum Welcome has warned about a far-right protest outside the building on Wednesday night.
It states: "All at Asylum Welcome are horrified by the terrible events of last week and the weekend. We extend our unwavering solidarity to refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, Muslims and communities of colour during this difficult time.
"As some of you might know, we have received news of a specific far-right threat to protest outside our building on Wednesday night.
"We are in touch with the police and are taking precautions. While there may be some disruption this week, we will continue to run services from our office and in the community as far as we safely can.
"Asylum Welcome encourages people to stay safe and to report any far-right activity to the authorities.
"To be clear, we are not involved in or encouraging any counter-protest around our office on Wednesday, as we do not want people to put themselves at risk to defend empty buildings.
"We are grateful for and moved by your expressions of solidarity, and we will continue our work, while taking precautions to protect our clients, volunteers and staff."
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