Councillors condemned for attending far right anti-immigration protest

Two city councillors have been condemned for attending a far right anti-immigration protest in Gloucester.

Community Independents Brendon O’Donnell and Alastair Chambers were at the demonstration targeting asylum seekers outside the Ibis Hotel in Barnwood. 

The hotel is used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers while their claims are processed.

The protest was organised by a far right group that is run by a well-known alleged conspiracy theorist, misogynist and anti-vaxxer, according to the anti-racist group Hope Not Hate.

Gloucester Liberal Democrats criticised Cllr O’Donnell for addressing the crowd.

“Councillor O’Donnell disgraced his office by making a speech at a far right protest,” a party spokesman said.

“Standing on their platform is no different from endorsing their hate. He has no place in public life.

“When a councillor speaks at a rally organised by the far right, they cross the line from poor judgment to outright complicity.

“Cllr O’Donnell’s actions are indefensible.”

Gloucester Liberal Democrats also rejected Cllr O’Donnell’s attempt to use homelessness to justify his involvement.

“If Cllr O’Donnell genuinely cared about rough sleepers, he would know that Government schemes like Operation Fortitude already exist to support homeless people,” the spokesman said.

"Standing on a far right platform targeting asylum seekers does nothing to help the homeless. It simply fuels division and hate.”

The Liberal Democrats also criticised Cllr Chambers, leader of the Community Independents, for attending the rally.

“Cllr Chambers chose to stand alongside the far right rather than stand up to them. That decision shames him and the council he represents,” the spokesman said.

“By attending this protest, Cllr Chambers legitimised extremism and betrayed the community he was elected to serve.

“Both Cllr O’Donnell and Cllr Chambers gave oxygen to the far right. Their presence empowered racists.

“Councillors are elected to protect communities, not to embolden extremists. This was not a mistake. It was a choice, and it was a choice to side with hate.”

Cllr Chambers has previously refused to condemn racist social media posts made by Cllr O’Donnell.