Far right group to host Portland demonstration this weekend

It is understood the group will stage the demonstration on Portland on Saturday, September 9.

News of the demo comes after letters were previously handed out to councillors and businesses threatening them if they work with asylum seekers or the Bibby Stockholm barge.

The demonstration is understood to be related to the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port (Image: PA)

The Echo understands these letters contained "threats to damage property and intimidate people" who are linked to the barge and support asylum seekers.

This led to councillors employing security to attend council meetings and surgeries amid growing concerns over safety.

Stand Up to Racism Dorset has said the "modern-day fascists" are "unwelcome" and will oppose their presence.

The group has planned a counter-protest from 10am at the Gateway Pillars on Victoria Square Roundabout.

Lynne Hubbard, joint chair of Stand Up To Racism Dorset, says: “There is no place for far-right ideas and activities in Weymouth and Portland.

"The group hopes to exploit frustration in our communities at low wages, declining services and poor job prospects. But its divisive policies would make things much worse.

“The Far Right hopes that opposition to the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland Harbour can be turned into hostility towards refugees.

"We take a different view: the barge is unsafe and inhumane, and refugees deserve to be treated with respect. We oppose the barge but also say ‘Refugees are welcome here’.

“They are not welcome in Dorset. Its politics of hate have no place in our communities. Join us to oppose the fascists.”

Police will be in attendance and have been in contact with both groups about the demonstrations. 

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said he is confident the police will have everything under control (Image: Newsquest)

Richard Drax has spoken previously about his concern the barge may attract far-right groups to Dorset.

The MP for South Dorset said he is confident the police would be able to keep the protests peaceful and safe.

He said: "Having spoken to police, they told me they are in negotiation with the organisation in question and Stand Up to Racism Dorset and the police are confident this will be a peaceful protest.

"There will be a police presence at the static protest.

"I have been contacted about around 20 protests which have happened since the barge was announced and I am confident that the police will have it all under control."