Anti-immigration protesters were met with resistance from hundreds of activists outside a hotel in Rotherham housing asylum seekers on Saturday.
Members of far-right organisations Patriotic Alternative and English Constitution Party gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which is currently homing more than 100 asylum seekers.
Demonstrators from Stand up to Racism, Unite Against Fascism and Sheffield Trade Council turned up to oppose the far-right groups.
Anti-racism protester, Rachel Harris, 43, said: “You only need to look back at history to know why it’s important to challenge groups like those.
“We’ve seen a lot divide in this country recently. There’s a lot racism and homophobia on the rise and it’s just going to get worse unless people stand up to it.”
Many of the protesters travelled by coach from Sheffield to spread the message that Yorkshire does not tolerate hate.
They chanted “From the Pennines to sea, Yorkshire will be fascist free!” while police escorted them away from the anti-immigration protesters.
The counter protesters engaged in a number of other chants throughout the day, including: ”Say it louder, say it clear. Refugees are welcome here” and “No borders, no nations. Stop deportation.”
During this demonstration, young children inside the hotel were seen waving at the crowds and holding up posters with the words ‘Thank you.’
Phil Ward, activist, 70, said: “I’m here because I’m an anti-racist and I think it’s really important to stand up to racism and combat both the fascists and the government.
“Fascism can only be stopped by active opposition.”
The protests lasted for approximately two hours, as police presence increased when bystanders shouted at the anti-racism protesters from across the road.
A group of anti-immigration protesters spilled into the hotel car park to challenge the counter demonstrators, resulting in an exchange of insults between the two sides.
Ruby Midgley, 29, said: “I think everybody has the right to live safely and free of harm and injustice.
“We’re all citizens of planet earth, not a nation or a country so I believe we should make these people feel welcome.”
Two people were arrested during the protest, one of whom has been bailed pending further enquiry.
