Humanity Not Hate – Community Counter-Protest – Sunday Oct 5th – Gloucester

Meet at Westgate Car Park between 12 noon and 12.30pm

Support those seeking asylum by joining people from across Gloucestershire for a celebration of community – and to oppose attempts to stoke division and racism.

Organised by over a dozen organisations and many individual residents of Gloucestershire, forming a new alliance under the provisional name “Gloucestershire Solidarity Network”.

See below for more details, and please join the WhatsApp Channel for updates!

This event has been collectively organised by disparate groups and individuals to show our united opposition to racism and right-wing ideology. We will not be divided.

An effective protest means we must be organised and work as a team.

There will be static teams of stewards coordinated by another mobile team.

We ask people to heed our advice and remember that individual actions can impact on others.

Our concern is practicable, personal and collective security.

The protest will be bold, vocal and vibrant, but not provocative or verbally abusive in a way that puts us in a bad light.

Try to stay calm and not be provoked. The police are eager to avoid confrontation.

Due to upgrades at the Gloucester train station, there will be no trains on October 5th.

There are nearby toilets at the Cavern Pub, Comfy Pew, Clementine Cafe, and Westgate Street Car Park has some too.

Please read on for further guidance

1. Everyone should aim to arrive at Westgate Street Car Park for 12.00, and we will leave together at 12.30.
2. If you cannot be at the assembly point by 12.30 make sure your clothing and what you carry does not make you easily identified as a protester.
3. The stewards will manage the event and will inform you when the event ends. All stewards will be easily identifiable – if you know a steward make sure you have their mobile number. Numbers will be provided on the day.
4. If you see anyone who you think is acting suspiciously (on our side or the other) tell a steward.
5. Solicitors numbers and what to do in the event of arrest will be provided on the day & electronically.
6. The police will ensure free access to the pavement area opposite Shire Hall where the cafes and shops are located.
7. The stewards will communicate the time the event will end, speak to a steward if you have to leave earlier. Once the event is over, do not linger.
8. Make sure your phone is fully charged.
9. Do not bring banners with poles, or bring anything that might be used as a weapon.
10. Do not engage with anyone who you think is an anti-migrant protester before you arrive at the point of the counter protest, including shouting slogans. You have no idea what is around the corner.
11. After the event, if you want to go to a cafe, bar or pub, do not do so in the vicinity of the protest action. If you do, you are literally being left behind and possibly going to the same place as anti-migrant protesters.

For more protest and security guidance see:

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Who are Community Solidarity Stroud District?

Community Solidarity Stroud District exists to build community led solidarity in the Stroud district to oppose the hatred of minorities and oppressed people arising from false and harmful information.