Two peaceful protests were held in Carlisle city centre yesterday.
The protests were prompted by Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who was holding a Unite the Kingdom march in London.
In Carlisle, Cumbria Action marched into the city centre at around 1pm and delivered a number of speeches.
Carlisle Against Racism held a counter rally from 11am.
Carlisle Against Racism said ahead of the Unite the Kingdom event: “The far right, who have never been concerned about women, and oppose equality, have suddenly discovered the issue of violence against women and girls – but only in order to put all the blame on a tiny minority of migrants or Muslims.
“But anyone who reads the court reports will struggle to find many Black faces among the perpetrators.
“In Cumberland last year there were 4,691 cases of violence against women and girls, the vast majority committed by partners.
“Most rapists are partners or men known to the victim. Nationally, 90% of them white. And 90% of children suffering sexual abuse already knew their abuser.
“On this scale, in Cumbria, we can’t kid ourselves that this comes from ‘stranger danger’ from the outside, from ‘foreigners’, or Muslims or the bogeyman.
“This pandemic of sexual violence comes from the heart of our community and must be challenged by all of us, along with a restoration of vital public support services cut by years of austerity.
“Let’s unite and fight for better jobs, homes and services for all – not sexist and racist division.”
There was a large police presence in Carlisle while the protests took place.
