Counter-protesters, with some waving Palestinian flags, have entered into a stand-off with police intervening to stop the two rival groups of marchers getting dangerously close to one another.
A statement earlier from the North East, Yorkshire & Humber Trades Union Congress (TUC) said: “Newcastle is rightly proud of its label as a “city of sanctuary.” Offering a home to those escaping genocide, war and persecution is a fundamental British value. While immigration has brought untold benefits to our region, economically and culturally.
“They talk about ‘mass deportations,’ and ‘protecting British workers,’ but their real mission is clear: To turn worker against worker. To dismantle unions. To destroy rights generations before us fought to win.
“The far-right are not welcome in Newcastle, and we stand with them as they do.”
