Council Leader says anti-immigration marchers ‘not reflective’ of Blackpool

Tuesday, 27 January 2026 12:29

By Richard Hunt

The Leader of Blackpool Council said people who took part in an anti-immigration march at the weekend were not reflective of the many people who live, work and visit the town.

Cllr Lynn Williams was speaking after hundreds joined the No Filter Britain protest march through the streets of the resort over the weekend.

Carrying banners and Union flags, protestors gathered outside the Metropole Hotel, home to hundreds of asylum seekers, before marching along the Promenade and into the town centre.

Lancashire Police said no one was arrested during the demonstration.

Increasing numbers of illegal immigrants arriving in boats on the south coast have led to a number of protests across the country, further fuelled by several high profile cases in which illegal immigrants have been charged with sex offences.

But concerns have been voiced that Far Right agitators have been stirring up fears and creating division.

The families living in the Metropole Hotel have repeatedly been referred to as asylum seekers by Blackpool Council.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are a town of hope not hate and there is no place for racism in Blackpool. Racism is abhorrent and we will call it out whenever we see it.

“The protestors at the weekend are not reflective of the many more people who live here, love where they live and love their neighbours.

“Blackpool is a place built on welcoming visitors and one where many people have come to make a life for themselves and their families for generations.

“I love how we’re a mixture of all different identities – it makes our culture stronger. We will all have friends who have moved here over the decades, from every corner of this nation and from around the world.

“Everybody in Blackpool should feel safe, regardless of ethnicity, religion or sexuality and we will continue to work with our community to make sure that the voices of togetherness outweigh the voices of hate.”