A solidarity event is planned to take place in Victoria Square this Saturday in stark contrast to the far right riots of last weekend.
A social media page has formed in response to the riots which shook Hull last Saturday. Hull Against Hate is a coalition calling for a peaceful solidarity event this Saturday 10th August in Victoria Square – the site where rioting began last week – and encouraging people to turn out in big numbers.
The coalition was started by representatives from multiple community groups including the Hull branch of Stand Up to Racism, which is one of many national organisations who have called for cities across the country to come out for unity rallies on Saturday.
Richard Lees, Chair of Hull and East Yorkshire Stand up to Racism, said: “Last weekend was a frightening wake-up call for our city. Now is a crucial moment – we must show that the majority of people in Hull do not agree with racism or Islamophobia and were appalled by the violence we saw on August 3rd.
As we’ve seen in London and other cities, when we come together in big numbers to demonstrate our unity we can make a big impact. This is Hull’s opportunity to celebrate the best of our city and stand in solidarity with everyone who right now feels targeted and unsafe in their own home.”
The solidarity event, which starts at 10am in Queen Victoria Square, will feature music, speeches and an opportunity to write letters and cards to the city of Hull and offer gifts to local business owners and workers who were targeted. Hull Against Hate are advising people to attend the event only if they feel safe to do so, and to stay in pairs or groups.
