Colchester illegal migrants protest held at War Memorial

Supporters of the Colchester Take AAIM Facebook group, which opposes illegal migrants, held a protest at the High Street War Memorial on Wednesday night.

Members of Stand Up To Racism Colchester staged a counter-protest, while 15 Essex Police officers formed a buffer zone between the two peaceful demonstrations.

Right – people protesting next to the War Memorial

Left – Stand Up To Racism Colchester supporters

Both sides drew support from members of the public, displayed signs and played music during the event.

Mark Garrad, 42, of Colchester, founded the Take AAIM page and is one of the main organisers of the weekly Wednesday night protest.

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He said: “It’s good to see the numbers growing, the support is there.

“There were cars going past beeping, showing support, people standing with us.

Colchester Take AAIM founder – Mark Garrad

An unnamed Stand Up To Racism Colchester member who lives in the city said: “We’re here to oppose the far right and the lie that refugees or migrants or anyone from any other background is a problem.

“We’re here to say refugees are welcome, we oppose racism and bigotry and will stand up to it every day.

The protest comes amid a wider national divide over illegal migration and continuing tensions surrounding asylum seekers at Wethersfield Asylum Centre near Braintree.

Showing their support – Stand Up To Racism supporters

The government announced in June that Wethersfield Asylum Centre will remain open up to 2029 and will expand by 55 per cent, with the site’s capacity increasing from 800 to 1,245 residents.

Refugees have also been taken by bus on day trips from the centre to Colchester and other parts of Essex.

Essex County Council launched Operation Vanguard last month, with private security guards carrying out patrols.

Essex Police – an officer in front of the group of protesters

The operation followed concerns from residents in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester who said they felt “intimidated” by asylum seekers.

The three-month trial is funded by £150,000 from County Hall’s Community Innovation and Improvement Fund.

Operation Vanguard has attracted both support and criticism.

Maria Wilby of refugee charity RAMA criticised the lack of consultation before the patrols were introduced and said their messaging risked linking asylum seekers with crime and anti-social behaviour.

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