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Unions, politicians and other protest groups in Liverpool are planning to pack into the city like 'sardines' to protest against an event linked to far-right Italian leader Matteo Salvini in the city.

Today the ECHO revealed that the event linked to Salvini, a controversial Italian politician, is due to take place at an as yet unnamed restaurant in the Bold Street area on March 28.

The former Deputy Prime Minister of Italy is known for his strong anti-immigrant stance and has previously called for a 'mass cleansing' of his home country.

It is not fully clear from the advert whether Salvini will definitely be present - but his supporters are being invited to attend.

(Image: AP)

Now different organisations from Merseyside and further afield are planning to oppose the event with a peaceful protest that will take inspiration from the 'Sardines against Salvini' movement that has grown in italy.

The Sardines movement, which began in November 2019, has seen an ongoing series of peaceful demonstrations take place in protest at the right-wing surge in the country - and specifically against the rhetoric of Matteo Salvini himself.

The movement uses the Sardines name because of the high number of protesters that pack into their demonstrations.

The Liverpool protest is being organised by Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism and is being supported by politicians and other groups.

Those backing it include Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, former Labour North West MEP Theresa Griffin and the GMB north union branch.



A spokesperson for the UAF said: "No venue in Liverpool should host such a person as Salvini. Liverpool of course is a proudly, multicultural city with great anti fascist tradtitons. This dates back to those who fought in the Spanish Civil War.

"Should he enter Liverpool, anti fascists will seek to emulate the Sardines movement who are mass mobilising against Salvini in Italy."

The full statement signed by politicians and unions states:

"We the undersigned oppose plans by far right Italian leader Matteo Salvini to speak in Liverpool on 28th March.

"We support the demonstration planned by Unite Against Fascism Merseyside and Stand Up to Racism Liverpool to oppose Salvini if he attends.

"Liverpool has a proud record of opposing Fascism and racism. We defeated ‘Tommy Robinson’ in the North West and Salvini is not welcome here either.

"We oppose anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism.

"We call on any venue planning to host Salvini to cancel his event there.

"We encourage everyone to attend the UAF/SUTR protest on 28th March."

There have been a number of high profile demonstrations against visits from far right groups to Liverpool in recent years.

In 2017 the English Defence League were chased out of the city to the tune of the Benny Hill theme.

Two years earlier members of National Action found themselves trapped in a left luggage area at Lime Street Station.