Oxford: ‘English pride’ protest met with counter-protest

The ‘St George’s Day Celebration’ was organised by Raise The Colours Oxfordshire, the movement, which has been controversially hanging flags across the county since last summer, on Saturday, April 18, in Bonn Square outside the Westgate entrance.

It was described in an advert shared on Facebook, the group’s main communication platform’, as a ‘family-friendly’ day with music, community spirit and ‘fun games for everyone’.

Counter-protesters from Oxford Stand Up To Racism in Bonn Square on Saturday (Image: Ed Nix)

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However, there was no music or games on the day itself, and reports say about 10 ‘patriots’ turned out, holding flags with slogans written on them like ‘stop the boats’.

Oxford Stand Up To Racism organised a counter-protest ‘Migrants Welcome: Stop the Far Right’ for the same time, with about 50 attendees for the counter side.

Counter-protesters from Oxford Stand Up To Racism in Bonn Square on Saturday (Image: Ed Nix)

The organisations call for supporters to attend ahead of the event said: “Stand together against racist scapegoating and intimidation.

“Far right activists want to protest in our city centre spreading lies and hate aimed at migrants, refugees and many more of us. This is us, our families, our neighbours, colleagues and friends.

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There were some minor altercations between the sides, reports say (Image: Ed Nix)

“When the far right are allowed to spread hate and lies unopposed, it emboldens racist outbursts and hate crimes.

“Bring your friends and let’s leave no doubt that Oxford is a welcoming and proud anti-racist city.”

Reports say there were some minor altercations between the two sides at the protest and police were in attendance.

Did you see the protest? What did you think?