St George's parade plan for Brighton (From The Argus)
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St George's parade plan for Brighton
4:00pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in News By Rebecca Evans
Marchers in Brighton last April
Nationalists plan to march again in Brighton.
March for England announced on its Facebook site that it will hold a “St George’s Parade” through the city in April.
The march is planned for April 21 or 22, ahead of St George’s Day on Monday, April 23.
Sussex Police confirmed they have been contacted by the group about the event.
The group says it is not affiliated to right-wing organisations and is a non-racist group that allows people of all races to join.
However, past events have sparked trouble after counter-demonstrators faced off against marchers outside Brighton station.
Last year about 350 police in body armour were used to separate March for England members and Unite Against Fascism protesters.
About 300 March for England members attended the 2011 parade with about 100 counter demonstrators turning out.
Eight people were arrested but there were no reports of serious violence.
March for England said the event is not a demonstration but “a chance to show our English pride”.
The group said their own “security and stewards will be out to ensure a good day is had by all”.
No route has yet been fixed for this year’s march.
Last year marchers walked along Surrey Street, Queen’s Road, North Street and Pavilion Parade to Victoria Gardens.
March for England said ahead of the event that English Defence League members had been banned but banners of the far-right group were unfurled as people were escorted back to the station.
A Sussex Police spokesman said it is too early to predict how many people are likely to take part this year and what the police response will be.
He said: “We have been in initial contact with the organisers of March for England, as we have in previous years and as we do with all groups who want to hold events.
“They have informed us of proposed dates, but we have not yet had detailed discussions to help us plan the policing operation.
“We support free speech and have a duty to help facilitate peaceful events by any groups in the city.”
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