Civic leaders and community organisations in Dudley have issued a joint appeal urging the far right not to attend a planned protest in the town, saying the demonstration risks stoking division and targeting local residents.
Broad cross-party statement condemns planned demonstration
Leaders from the borough council’s principal political groups — Steve Edwards of the Black Country Party Group, Shaukat Ali of the Labour Group and Ryan Priest of the Liberal Democrats — have signed a joint statement titled ‘Love Dudley, No to Racism’ calling for the protest to be cancelled.
The statement warns that Dudley is a “multi-cultural, peaceful place to live” and says it is alarming that national far-right figures and activists have been invited to the event. It also says the demonstration targets five properties in the borough.
“We call upon the far right, including Nick Tenconi, to stay away from Dudley and leave us in peace.”
Community groups back appeal; counter-action planned
The joint statement has been endorsed by Dudley Trades Union Council and Dudley Central Mosque & Muslim Community Centre. Local anti-racism activists have urged residents to show opposition to the far-right presence by gathering in Dudley on the day of the protest.
Luke Fewtrell of Dudley Stand Up Racism has called for public solidarity, urging people who oppose racism to come together on 26 September to demonstrate against what he described as attempts to stir racial tensions or intimidate communities.
National figure expected to attend
Organisers of the demonstration say UKIP leader Nick Tenconi will attend and deliver a speech. On social media, Mr Tenconi has described the protest as a stand against illegal immigration. The council group leaders’ statement explicitly references his planned attendance and the wider mobilisation of far-right supporters.
- Who signed the joint statement: leaders of the three main council groups in Dudley.
- Community endorsements: Dudley Trades Union Council; Dudley Central Mosque & Muslim Community Centre.
- Counter-demonstration: Dudley Stand Up Racism calling public gathering on 26 September.
The statement makes clear its aim is to protect community cohesion and resist any attempt to scapegoat minorities or provoke racial conflict in the borough. It highlights the potential for a nationally organised event to have local consequences.
| Signatory / Supporter | Role |
|---|---|
| Steve Edwards | Leader, Black Country Party Group of Dudley Councillors |
| Shaukat Ali | Leader, Labour Group of Dudley Councillors |
| Ryan Priest | Leader, Liberal Democratic Group of Dudley Councillors |
| Dudley Trades Union Council | Endorser |
| Dudley Central Mosque & Muslim Community Centre | Endorser |
Local leaders have framed their appeal in familiar terms for Dudley — a borough with a diverse population where civic figures say communities from different faiths and heritages live and work together. The statement asserts a desire to preserve that peace and to prevent any event that could lead to the scapegoating of minority groups.
Police and council communications about public safety measures for the day were not included in the statement issued by the local political leaders. Residents concerned about the demonstration or wishing to participate in the counter-gathering have been directed to the public messaging of the groups involved.
The situation remains fluid. With national activists reportedly mobilising to attend, the authorities and local organisations face the task of balancing free assembly with community safety and the prevention of hate-driven incidents.
