AN anti-fascist group is planning to hold a protest during a rally involving leading members of far-right party Britain First in Belfast tomorrow.
The ‘Belfast Says No to Fascism’ demonstration is to take place close to the city hall at the same time as a 'Northern Ireland Against Terrorism' parade and rally.
Partly organised by independent unionist councillor Jolene Bunting, senior members of Britain First are expected to speak at the rally which was to coincide with a republican anti-internment parade in the city.
Davy McAuley, spokesman for the anti-fascist protest, said it is open to all.
“We are calling on faith-based groups, people who are politically aligned and non-politically aligned and anybody who is pro-diversity, anti-fascist and anti-racist to support the protest,” he said.
A separate loyalist procession was organised by the group Loyal People’s Protest in the city centre tomorrow.
However, restrictions were placed on the march by the Parades Commission.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the group said speeches will be heard at the front of city hall and “all our speakers are home-grown members of the PUL (Protestant Unionist Loyalist) community”.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people are expected to attend the anti-internment parade in north Belfast.
The Anti-Internment League had wanted to leave Ardoyne at 11.30am and travel via Royal Avenue to a rally in west Belfast.
After being banned from the city centre, the group suggested an alternative route via Carrick Hill and Millfield which would have passed Peters Hill, close to the Shankill Road.
However, the revised route was also rejected and the commission has ruled that the march must not go beyond the entrance of Clifton House and North Queen Street.
The wife of Derry republican Tony Taylor - who has been held in jail without charge since his early release licence was revoked in March last year - is due to speak at the rally.
