Jeremy Corbyn praised the people of Liverpool and Merseyside as he spoke at a 'Refugees Welcome Here' demonstration in the city.
The former labour leader spoke at St George's Hall today as hundreds of people gathered at St George's Hall to show their support for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
Mr Corbyn thanked Liverpool for its warm welcome. He said: "Thank you to the people of Liverpool for the greatest welcomes I have ever had and one of the most wonderful cities in this country for its music, its spirit [...] and its determination to bring about a fairer and more just society. We're living in a historical time."
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The MP went on to say he wanted people to "unite" and "build a world that's fit for the next generation." The demonstration follows a petition, which was organised by a group under the banner of Merseyside Anti-Racists Unite.
It was signed by more than 500 people, including councillors, trade union officials and activists in Merseyside as well as figures like West Derby MP Ian Byrne, co-founder of Merseyside Black Lives Matter Alliance, Chantelle Lunt, former Knowsley Town Mayor Tony Ely and Ellen Loudon, canon chancellor of Liverpool Cathedral.
It comes after fireworks were launched at police and a police van was set on fire during a protest outside the Suites Hotel in Kirkby on Friday, February 10. Other speakers at the demonstration included Chantelle Lunt, Founder Merseyside Black Lives Matter Alliance, Merseyside Alliance for Racial Equality, actor, singer and playwright, Tayo Aluko, poet Amina Atiq and others.
People attending the demonstration also held signs which read "say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here", "no to racism and no to fascism" and "I welcome refugees". Representatives from unions such as the Fire Brigade Union, RMT, Unite the Union were also in attendance.
A small number of people were counter-protesting outside Lime Street Station, but were met by groups supporting the 'Refugees Welcome Here' demonstration.
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