Liverpool's council leader has issued a direct appeal for unity ahead of a planned anti-immigration protest in the city this weekend. In an open letter, Cllr Liam Robinson described Liverpool as "a city built on diversity, solidarity, community and unity" and said attempts to divide communities through hate and intolerance have "no place in Liverpool."
The intervention comes as Merseyside Police prepare for a planned march on County Road, which has been advertised online under slogans including 'No More Illegals' and 'Mass Deportations.'
The proposed demonstration has attracted widespread criticism from political leaders across the city and has reignited painful memories of the violent disorder that swept through County Road during the summer of 2024.
In his letter, Cllr Robinson said: "Liverpool is a city built on diversity, solidarity, community and unity, a city of hope not hate. From the docks to our neighbourhoods, generations of people from across the world and with different identities have shaped who we are."
He added: "I know that many people, including our friends and family, our neighbours and colleagues, and people visiting the city, will be feeling fearful after the recent events in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow."
The Labour leader reiterated his opposition to the planned march, arguing that while the right to peaceful protest is fundamental in a democratic society, many residents are deeply concerned about the impact of the event.
"The forthcoming anti-immigration march on County Road is causing real fear and anxiety for many people and their families within that community and more widely across the city and beyond," he said.
The location of the march has become a particular source of concern. County Road was at the centre of Liverpool's worst disorder during the riots of August 2024, when businesses were damaged, homes were targeted and Spellow Library was set on fire.
"I know from speaking to residents in that area the impact the violent disorder in August 2024 caused," Cllr Robinson said. "Spellow library was set on fire and people were afraid to leave their homes in the days and weeks afterwards."
In recent days, the ECHO has spoken to several business owners on County Road who say they intend to close on Saturday because of fears about potential disorder. Some estimate they could lose hundreds of pounds in trade, while others say they are concerned about possible damage to their premises.
One business owner told the ECHO she was "really scared" when she learned about the march and feared being targeted because she was born outside the UK. Another trader said businesses were worried about history repeating itself after the destruction seen two years ago.
Those concerns have been echoed by local political leaders. Earlier this month, Cllr Robinson described the planned event as being "designed to intimidate, provoke fear and deepen division in our communities."
Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Carl Cashman has also urged police to consider whether the event should be moved away from a residential area still recovering from the impact of the 2024 riots.
Despite calls for the march not to take place, the council leader acknowledged that local authorities do not have the legal powers to prevent it.
"I share their view, but local authorities do not have the power to prevent such marches from taking place," he said. "A decision of this nature could only be taken by the Home Office."
He added that Liverpool City Council is working closely with Merseyside Police and community organisations ahead of the weekend and said the force had assured the authority that public safety arrangements were in place.
The letter also linked recent disturbances elsewhere in the UK to the spread of online hate and misinformation.
"The appalling scenes in Belfast this week serve as a shocking reminder of how hate speech posted online can easily transition into real and terrifying consequences on the streets, putting innocent people at risk," he said.
Cllr Robinson also used the letter to reaffirm the council's support for Liverpool's LGBTQ+ community ahead of the city's Pride celebrations next month, saying Liverpool would continue to champion inclusion and diversity.
In closing, the council leader urged residents to stand together and challenge misinformation.
"It is up to us all to stand together against hate and build a city where everyone feels safe, valued and that they belong," he said.
"I encourage everyone in Liverpool to come together, look after each other, and openly oppose racism and other forms of hatred wherever they see it."
The planned protest is due to take place on County Road on Saturday. Merseyside Police have said they have extensive plans in place to police the event and maintain public safety, while stressing their responsibility to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to prevent disorder and protect local communities.
