Scores of people will join a rally in Leeds to welcome refugees and Asylum seekers in West Yorkshire.
The event planned by Ellie Falkner, Stand Up To Racism and Welcome in West Yorkshire will take place on Saturday from 12pm at Woodhouse Moor, in Hyde Park.
The speakers on the day include Alex Sobel, a Labour MP who represents Leeds North West and more.
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Ellie told Leeds Live that after seeing the news of the events in Afghanistan and around the world, the event was organised to show people in West Yorkshire are happy to welcome refugees and asylum seekers.
A refugee is someone who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster and an asylum seeker is a person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking safety in another.
She said: “We want to send a message, there’s a lot of people in West Yorkshire who are happy to welcome people to move here and there are organisations available for people to get support.”
Organisers have urged people to wear masks and adhere to social distancing during the peaceful demonstration.
The event reads: “Join us in a peaceful demonstration to welcome refugees and asylum seekers to West Yorkshire and protest the disgraceful legislation that prevents vulnerable people finding safety on our shores.
“We will be meeting at 12pm on Saturday 4th September at Woodhouse Moor, Leeds City Centre, in solidarity with those fleeing oppression and terror in their home countries and to say that WE WELCOME ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES IN WEST YORKSHIRE.
“No one should have to live in fear but when your home country has become unsafe it is only right that other countries should welcome you and provide you with a place of sanctuary.
“This is a PEACEFUL STATIC PROTEST and we have informed West Yorkshire Police to reduce risk. Please remember to wear a mask, use hand sanitiser, and socially distance wherever possible.”
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