On Saturday, a sizable crowd gathered in St Helen’s Square for the York Unity Rally, which was held in protest to the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the city.
Organised by Stand up to Racism York, the hour-long rally saw speeches from political representatives, such as speakers from members of the Labour Party and Your Party, as well as testimonies from York residents and students.
The speeches highlighted a need for a pro-migration presence to counter the increasing visibility of the Reform UK party. They also called for more action against the violence and hate speech incidents which have been increasingly taking place in York, with the recent attack on an international student in York being used as one example. Notably, one speaker urged the crowds: “Does someone need to die before this is taken seriously?”
In between speeches, the crowd was heard chanting “say it loud and say it clear: refugees are welcome here.” Occasional pro-Palestine chants were also shouted, and many of those gathered were sporting Palestine flags and wearing a keffiyeh, a recognised symbol of Palestine identity.
The event was publicised on social media and through fliers, which had been heavily distributed in popular student areas in York. One related group served free food at St Helens Square during the evening prior to the protest, whilst displaying pamphlets for the rally.
At the end of the rally, attendees were invited to give their details to Stand up to Racism, with speakers highlighting the importance of unity and keeping the movement together and informed. It was then announced that some of the Rally attendees were going to take down some of the England flags from the lampposts in the area, with volunteers climbing up a ladder to remove them.
The peaceful protest attracted many onlookers, in the form of passers-by; people watching from the windows of the hotel opposite; and a small police presence. Overall, the public seemed fairly neutral, if not supportive, of the action, up until the pulling down of the St George’s flags from the lampposts. Some onlookers then began to question the purpose of pulling down the “patriotic flags” and called for their removal to be stopped. However, it seems no counter-protest took place.
Alongside Stand up to Racism York, the rally was supported by the York District and Trades Union Council, the National Education Union North Yorkshire, Unison York City and the National Education Union City of York.