The Lord Mayor of Sheffield has shared her views on the mass protest today, where UKIP supporters gathered to ‘reclaim Sheffield’ and call for the deportation of immigrants.

The organisation ‘Stand Up To Racism’ held a counter-protest against the party’s ‘Reclaim Sheffield from the Far Left’ rally.

Lord Mayor Safiya Saeed went to Facebook to express her views on the situation.

She wrote: “As we march against an ignorant party like UKIP, who are in this city trying to divide us, I’m delighted to see the spirit of our #ChangeWillCome campaign.

“It’s driven by the voices of the next generation, who are here to represent themselves. Celebrating our cultures, experiences, skin colors, and differences on every platform is vital.

“We stand united not just against racism, but against systemic racism, stereotypes, ageism, and the pressures young people face.”

Lord Mayor Saeed was inaugurated in May this year, and is the first black woman to hold the position.

She is the founder of Reach Up Youth, an initiative dedicated to empowering young people, particularly those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

She stated in her post: “We must unite with our differences, backgrounds, and cultures, no matter where we come from.

“Sheffield, the UK, has been built by migrants and refugees, and it will continue to be built and united. Sheffield is a city of sanctuary, and we will continue to challenge anyone who tries to take away the freedom of belonging and being included.

“Please stand up against racism. Please support your colleagues, your neighbors, your children’s friends. Reach out. Let’s all rely on each other’s kindness and humanity.”

The day saw several arrests happen and physical alterations where South Yorkshire Police were deployed to separate the two groups.

The demonstration lasted only a few hours, ending around 4pm this afternoon.