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Anti-fascists are gearing up to counter protest against a march in Stockton .

The counter protest comes after campaigners, Gays Against Sharia UK announced they are holding a joint rally with Standing For Britain and will be marching through the town centre this Saturday.

The group states on Facebook that the march will be protesting “against Muslim grooming gangs operating in Stockton”.

There is also a planned speech from Anne Marie Waters, the leader of the For Britain party and former UKIP member.

In response to the march, Teesside People’s Assembly have now organised a counter protest which they have called ‘No Place for Hate’.

They are urging “all who oppose racism and Islamophobia” to support the “anti-fascist protest”.

Teesside PA activist, Barbara Campbell said: “Gays Against Sharia and Standing for Britain are fronts set up by far-right groups intent on inciting hostility towards the local Muslim community, which they seek to scapegoat.

“We are organising this counter-protest to oppose the fascist message of intolerance and to make it clear that Stockton is no place for hate.”

The campaigners are asking those “opposed to racism and fascism” to assemble at 1.30 pm on Saturday near the fountain in Stockton town centre.

Teesside PA’s action is being supported by Stand Up To Racism North East and Unite the union’s Teesside Local Government branch.

Labour MP Alex Cunningham declared his solidarity with the ‘No Place for Hate’ demonstration.

Stockton Council said they were aware of the planned march that is set to start at 2pm in Wharf Street.

Chief Inspector Sharon Cooney said “Cleveland Police have been notified of a planned protest and potential counter protest in and around Stockton High Street on Saturday afternoon.

“At this time we are speaking to potential organisers and when in a position to confirm arrangements we will update accordingly.

“We recognise our duty to respect individual groups right to protest, balanced against the rights of those who may be directly or indirectly affected.”