THE North East’s leaders have issued a call for calm and common sense ahead of planned protests this weekend – and say the region is open for business.

Council leaders and the North East mayor have moved to reassure the public that people can safely go about their lives, amid concerns about the potential for more unrest around the country this weekend, and pleaded with residents to play their part by not sharing “unfounded” social media rumours that could spread fear.

Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool have all witnessed scenes of shocking violence as riots spread across the nation following the Southport attack in which three young girls were fatally stabbed last week.

READ MORE: Violent riots condemned by North East mayor

Rumoured far-right protests on Wednesday night (August 7) failed to materialise and there was instead a celebration of unity as thousands of people turned out in Newcastle’s West End in a huge show of solidarity against racism.

A demonstration is expected in Newcastle city centre on Saturday (August 10), but political leaders insisted on Friday morning (August 9) that they are “determined that the actions of a minority will not stand in the way of people going about their daily lives”.

Some pubs and shops closed early and streets fell silent on Wednesday due to fears of potential unrest, while some city centre businesses have already been seen boarding up their premises to protect them from damage ahead of the weekend.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, mayor Kim McGuinness and seven council leaders asked residents to avoid sharing misinformation on social media – after false rumours spread on Wednesday about disorder in North Tyneside.

Community leaders also came together for a summit at Newcastle Civic Centre on Thursday afternoon (August 8) to reassure the city that measures are in place to keep people safe this weekend, and avoid a repeat of the violence seen in other towns and cities.

Ms McGuinness and the leaders of Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland councils praised Wednesday’s peaceful counter-protests as “truly a sight to behold” but said the region “cannot afford to be complacent” this weekend.

They added: “We will continue to work with our communities, our region’s police forces and partners to maintain the peace and keep things calm. A robust policing presence has been prepared, officer leave has been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe. 

“Everyone has a part to play in ensuring calm and peace prevail. In the build-up to Wednesday’s anticipated protests, social media and places of work were awash with rumour and misinformation, which prompted further fear and anxiety in our communities. We are asking everyone to use their common sense, not to share unfounded rumours, and follow the information and guidance which is being shared through official channels. 

“We live in a proud region made up of diverse communities with a hard-earned reputation for being a friendly and welcoming part of the country. We reiterate our thanks to our police forces for keeping our neighbourhoods and businesses safe, and to our communities and partners for their continued efforts to bring people together.   

“We are united and determined that the actions of a minority will not stand in the way of people going about their daily lives. The North East is open for business this weekend to shoppers, visitors and people enjoying what our region has to offer.  Our region is defined by proud, loving and friendly people, thriving businesses and culture, and our beautiful places. That is the region we represent and that is the story we will tell to the world. 

“While Wednesday passed largely without incident, there are individuals going through the justice system whose remorse has resulted in no leniency on the sentences passed. Our message is clear: if you engage in rioting and bring disorder to our streets, you will face the full consequences through our justice system.”  

A large and diverse group of community leaders from across Newcastle met at the Civic Centre on Thursday to celebrate Wednesday night’s show of unity and to seek assurances over events this weekend.

Among the attendees were representatives from local mosques, other faith groups, the Newcastle United Supporters Club, universities and colleges, and the West End Refugee Service.

NUFC’s men’s and women’s teams are both scheduled to play at St James’ Park on Saturday.
A Pride fringe event scheduled to take place in Gateshead town centre on Saturday has been cancelled.

Wednesday night’s performance of Come From Away at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal was called off on Wednesday, but at time of writing Saturday’s shows were due to go ahead as planned.

City council leader Nick Kemp, who led Thursday’s meeting alongside Ms McGuinness and Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth, said: “Despite the show of strength on Wednesday, there is understandably still concern and we know how important it is to ensure community leaders have the information they need to reassure our residents.

“We were able to use this meeting to talk through the robust policing plans that are in place for the weekend so that our communities have the confidence to go about their business.

However, we know that for some, it will take a long time for that to be the case.

“There will be a visible presence in the city on Saturday and our officers will be offering their support. Hatred will once again not be tolerated and long term we will continue to have these conversations with community leaders so they feel safe and at home in Newcastle.”