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Asylum seeker demonstrations expected at Dover including Market Square

A town that is a focal point for the asylum seeker crisis is anticipating a demonstration and counter-protest tomorrow.

It is known that a rally will take place at Dover's Market Square at noon involving the groups Stand Up to Racism and Medway Stand Up to Racism.

Police ready for a previous protest in May 2021
Police ready for a previous protest in May 2021

It is understood it is to answer an anticipated turnout by members of the far right.

Further details of movements by protesters are not so far known.

But those against the arrival of asylum seekers on small boats have previously started from Dover Priory Station and marched along York Street and the A20 Townwall Street towards the Eastern Docks.

Police had closed the roads at these times or at least with rolling roadblocks.

On other occasions, demonstrators have marched along Snargate Street towards the Western Docks. This is where in recent years those in small craft rescued at sea have been brought in for initial processing.

Protesters are not always members of extreme groups. Some have said they are there because they are against the scale of illegal immigration in this country.

These marches are, however, often countered by pro-asylum seeker activists.

These events have been heavily policed, with relatively little trouble but one ended up in full-scale rioting in January 2016, after which 64 people were convicted and several jailed.

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