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Thanet Stand up to Ukip protest today in Margate

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of common assault after an incident at today's anti-Ukip protest in Margate.

Police say it was an isolated incident involving a camera being pointed at her and no-one was injured.

Police keep anti and pro Ukip protesters apart in Margate
Police keep anti and pro Ukip protesters apart in Margate

Police spokesman Lisa Humphrys said:"Senior officers say that all protest groups are co-operating with police.

"Apart from this one incident there have not been any physical confrontations and the protest has generally been conducted peacefully.

"It is estimated that about 250 people took part in the march."

Campaigners from across the country and from Kent have in Margate to protest at the Ukip spring conference being held at the Winter Gardens.

Organisers say the protest and rally is in response to the rise of Ukip in Thanet which "will lead to an increase of prejudice and bigotry".

The head of the march as it works its way through Margate to the Winter Gardens
The head of the march as it works its way through Margate to the Winter Gardens

But Ukip's leader Nigel Farage dismissed the protest outside the conference hall.

Talking to the KM Group's political editor Paul Francis at the Winter Gardens, Mr Farage said: "However much abuse is thrown at us by our opponents, we have demonstrated this is an open and inclusive party whose only crime is to believe in Britain.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has welcomed the plans
Ukip leader Nigel Farage has welcomed the plans

"There is more enthusiasm in the people's army than I've ever seen before - the whole mood and positivity is fantastic.

Read our political editor Paul Francis end of conference reporthere

"I think we are going to go out there and fight a really hard general election campaign in our target seats.

"Yesterday and today have confirmed my belief that we are a united political party, more professional and one that is getting better at what it does."

Anti-Ukip protesters get ready to march in Margate
Anti-Ukip protesters get ready to march in Margate
Anti-Ukip protester attacks party's leader. Ukip and Nigel Farage vehemently deny they are racist
Anti-Ukip protester attacks party's leader. Ukip and Nigel Farage vehemently deny they are racist

The protesters marched through Margate, accompanied by bands and singers. This will be followed by a rally with national and local speakers.

"Thanet should be a prejudice-free zone and who wants to demonstrate that there is no place for racism or bigotry in local politics" - Bunny La Roche

Extra officers are in Margate today to police the event.

Harmony and Cressida protest against Ukip
Harmony and Cressida protest against Ukip
Looks like anti-Ukip protesters have travelled from around the country to Margate
Looks like anti-Ukip protesters have travelled from around the country to Margate
Nigel Farage, who denies being a racist, is the target of many of the anti-Ukip banners
Nigel Farage, who denies being a racist, is the target of many of the anti-Ukip banners
Protesters from all over Kent and the rest of the country have arrived in Margate during the Ukip spring conference
Protesters from all over Kent and the rest of the country have arrived in Margate during the Ukip spring conference

A Kent Police spokesman said:"Officers are in the area to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour, to facilitate peaceful protest and to respond to incidents if required.

"Other resources may also be deployed where necessary and appropriate.

"Based on the information supplied by event organisers and protest groups, it has been decided pre-planned road closures are not required."

Bunny La Roche, one of the event organisers, said:"Ukip, of course, claim not to be a racist party, but time after time, their candidates are caught out making racist remarks."

The march will end in Ethelbert Terrace where speakers will address a rally.

At 3pm a gig, organised by Thanet Love Music Hate Racism, is being held the Westcoast bar in Margate's King St.

Thanet Stand up to Ukip was founded in June last year, with the intention of preventing Ukip leader Nigel Farage being elected to the South Thanet seat.

A poll of about 1,000 people conducted in South Thanet over the last week put the party 11 points ahead of the Conservatives.

The Survation poll, paid for by a Ukip donor, put Farage on 38.6%, Labour on 27.6%, the Conservatives on 26.6%, the Greens on 3.1% and the Liberal Democrats on 2%.

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