Leading Sheffield councillor vows community will not be “divided, intimidated or silent” after far right march
Councillor Zahira Naz speaks out after masked men seen marching in Darnall
The deputy leader of Sheffield City Council has vowed that her community “will not be divided, intimidated or silent” after a masked far right group marched through her area.
Zahira Naz, who represents Darnall and Tinsley ward on the council, issued a statement after a large group of mainly masked men dressed in black marched along Staniforth Road yesterday morning (October 11).
The group from the far right Patriot Platform also targeted Linburg Coach Travel on Catley Road, claiming they had been transporting asylum seekers.
Pictures and video from Darnall were posted on social media by a group called Staffordshire Patriots.
The Patriot Platform is a far right anti-immigration group set up by Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, who is an associate of Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley Lennon). The group also blockaded the port of Dover last month.
Mr Thomas was last month remanded in custody at Portsmouth Crown Court to face trial next year on a charge of criminal damage. A video appeared to show him slashing at a dinghy that had an emergency responder on board in the English Channel.
Councillor Naz said: “I am absolutely horrified and angry about the march that took place in Darnall this morning. Our communities should never have to wake up feeling intimidated, uninformed or unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.
“Since this morning, I have spoken with Stand Up to Racism and we are organising a meeting tomorrow at 7pm at Pakistan Muslim Centre (PMC), Woodbourn Road.
“I have also spoken directly with council leadership, who told me they had received no intelligence indicating that this march would take place in Darnall.
“I have demanded answers from the police about how this happened and why residents were left completely in the dark.
“This is unacceptable. Residents deserve answers, transparency and accountability.
“We cannot simply move on without understanding what happened and what will be done to prevent this happening again.
“Let me be clear: we will not allow fascism, racism or hatred to take hold in our communities.
“Darnall is built on diversity, solidarity and people standing together. We will not be intimidated, divided or silenced.
“I urge all residents to attend tomorrow’s meeting. I request all local residents to remain vigilant, look out for one another and report any concerning activity to the police. Please keep yourselves and each other safe.
“Darnall belongs to all its people. We will not be divided. We will not be intimidated. And we will not be silent.
“I will continue to work with all our local faith institutions to ensure we collectively deal with these issues.”
Council leader Councillor Fran Belbin also condemned the march.
She said: “All politicians in our city should speak out for unity and against the divisions caused by racism, anti-semitism, Islamophobia and anti-migrant sentiments.”
Sheffield Liberal Democrats have also spoken of their condemnation. They described the group “carrying Union flags and a banner with an inflammatory message”.
They said that police quickly dispersed the group, but there were subsequent reports of graffiti and criminal damage.
Group leader Councillor Martin Smith said: “Everyone has the right to peaceful protest but the intent of this disgraceful event was clearly intimidation.
“Sheffield is an inclusive and welcoming city. We stand firmly against all forms of racism.”