Students and workers are planning a "day of action for Palestine" on May Day, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The protest on Wednesday organised by coalition Stop the War Brighton and Hove coincides with International Workers Day.

Activists will gather outside Hove Town Hall at lunchtime and there will be a protest march at Brighton University. 

Group member Maggie Clifford said: “We wish to give a message that we continue to demand a permanent ceasefire now. We are asking our local Hove MP Peter Kyle to support the call of the majority for a lasting ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel by the UK government.”

The group want Brighton and Hove City Council to support a permanent Gaza ceasefire and to ensure the arms factory L3Harris in Moulsecoomb stops manufacturing bomb parts allegedly used by Israel.

Andy Richards, secretary of Brighton and Hove Trades Council, said: “All of the trade unions in Brighton and Hove deplore the genocide in Gaza. We declare our solidarity with the besieged workers and unions in Palestine.”

Damian McCarthy, chairman of Brighton Unite the Union, said: “Members of Unite the Union fully support workers and civilians in Gaza who are suffering an unprecedented genocide. 

“We will march, lobby, picket, and take further action to stop Israel’s war crimes."

Jewish campaign groups will also be at the day of action.

A University of Brighton spokesman said: “The University of Brighton is fundamentally committed to freedom of speech and we provide space for students and staff to express their views. We have a vibrant campus culture that benefits from the fact that students and staff are free to support any campaign or action they choose.”