Anti-Donald Trump protest held in Telford
Protestors in Shropshire joined thousands across Britain by taking to the streets to oppose US President Donald Trump's immigration ban.
They chanted and waved placards outside Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre last night to make a stand after President Trump closed the US borders to people from seven Muslim-majority countries.
The ban has sparked worldwide fury, with protests taking place across the world.
At last night's rally, protestors chanted "dump Trump" and "refugees are welcome here".
About 30 people attended the rally in Telford, while hundreds more gathered in Birmingham city centre to make their views known.
Other demonstrations took place in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Andy Brown, from the Telford Stand Up To Racism Group – which organised the demonstration – said it was organised to fight against "dangerous divisions" and "racial hatred".
He said: "Despite the notice, the turnout has been fantastic which we are delighted with.
"This demonstration has been organised to take a stand against division and racial hatred, to help our kids and grand-kids realise that no matter what their faith, colour, sexuality is, those differences should be celebrated and that's what makes our society so great.
"This is also in preparation for when Britain First – or should I say Britain Last – come to Telford next month.
"We want to make it clear that their views certainly do not reflect ours."
Representatives of Telford Trades Union Council also attended the protest. Yesterday they wrote to the Secretary of State in a bid to stop a visit by the Britain First group from visiting Telford on February 25.
In the letter David Lawrence, a spokesman for the group, said his reason for the request to stop the visit was because of "the likelihood of violence being perpetrated".
Chris Hicks, 66, from Telford, who also attended, said he was "appalled" by the tycoon's ban. He said: "It's nothing but blatant anti-Muslim racism, nothing more than that. I don't have the words to describe just how hateful and appalling it is."
Tracey Thatcher from Wellington Labour group said: "As a town we are fairly multi-cultural, and we're completely against this appalling ban that's stirred up racial hatred, something we're all completely against."
The Shropshire Star's Naomi Penrose reported from the scene.
