ANTI-RACISM campaigners who linked arms in a display of unity in Barnsley town centre have vowed to continue protecting migrants’ rights.

Large numbers of people gathered at Barnsley Town Hall last Thursday to protest against the ‘racism and violence’ that the area has seen in recent weeks.

The protest, organised by Barnsley Stand Up To Racism and Barnsley Trades Union Council, was supported by Barnsley City of Sanctuary, trade unions including the National Education Union and a cross-section of the local community.

Placards on show stated that it was not migrants that had caused the social problems of Barnsley and similar areas but previous Conservative governments.

Campaigner Tony Nuttall told the Chronicle: “Protesters emphasised the positive role that asylum seekers and refugees play in providing the services that ordinary people need, from health services to social care to taxis and even fast food deliveries.

“It continued the trend of the previous week of big demonstrations by ordinary people wanting to celebrate their communities and say they want no part in racism.

“It was not migrants that closed the pits without providing alternatives, it was not migrants that sold off social housing and it was not migrants that ran down the NHS - it was Margaret Thatcher and the Tories.

“Working people need to direct their anger there rather than making migrants a scapegoat for all these problems.

“By combining together we can build the better world that we all need.

“Scapegoating and divisiveness get us nowhere.

“On the day small numbers of people wanting to blame migrants for Barnsley’s problems or to cause trouble were kept away from the town hall by a big police operation.

“We were pleased that so many people had turned out to take a stand against hatred and for an inclusive Barnsley community.

“Stand Up To Racism will be continuing to build in Barnsley so people wanting to oppose racism should look out for future events and join in.”

Two males were arrested at the gathering, including a 43-year-old on suspicion of possession of a banned breed and possession of a controlled drug and a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of possession of a weapon.

South Yorkshire Police also arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in the town centre, but said this was unrelated to the gathering.

Rumours which circulated on social media in the run-up to last weekend about another march towards the town hall were unfounded, despite police increasing their presence.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the county felt ‘relatively calm’ now but concerns remained.

“Seeing asylum seekers who live here and our Muslim communities being deliberately targeted has been heartbreaking,” he added.

“Our area prides itself on being a safe, inclusive and welcoming community and we know that recent events have clearly shaken everyone.

“As leaders we have spent time this week speaking to our communities to listen to their concerns and to provide reassurance that we will do everything we can to protect them.

“We’ve also seen the brilliant community spirit as volunteers came out to help with the clean-up, checked in on neighbours, friends, work colleagues and local mosques and minority communities.

“It had a very significant impact on day-to-day policing - there are police officers who have had their leave cancelled and their shifts extended.

“The blame for that is squarely on the people who perpetrated the violence at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers.

“Anybody that is considering taking violence to our streets should think again.

“We will continue to work together to keep our diverse and multi-faith communities united in the face of those who try to divide us.”