A CITY leader has said there is no place for hate in Southampton ahead of a secret meeting of so-called "staunch patriots" from the far-right Britain First movement.
Speakers at the event on February 7 are due to include the party's leader, Paul Golding, 41, who has twice been jailed over his activities.
Britain First has sent a confidential email to people it thinks might be interested in attending the event.
It says: "Britain First will be holding a friendly south coast regional meeting (in Southampton).
"Party leader Paul Golding, Ashlea Simon and other leadership figures will be in attendance. Come along and meet other staunch patriots from your area.
"Once you have confirmed your attendance, you will receive the meeting point and time via SMS and email.
"Do not share this email or post it on social media - it is for your eyes only. Please do not share any of the details in this email with anyone. Please keep the contents of this email confidential."
City council leader Satvir Kaur said: "Southampton is a proud, diverse city - it's this diversity that makes us modern, dynamic, talented, creative, skilled and so much more.
"There is no place for hate within our communities.
"All political discussions should be peaceful and efforts should be made to bring people together rather than sew divisions."
READ MORE: One in three Southampton residents are from an ethnic minority, Census shows
Britain First is a political party that was established in 2011 by former members of the British National Party (BNP).
It campaigns against multi-culturalism and what it sees as the Islamisation of the United Kingdom and advocates the preservation of traditional British culture.
In 2017 Britain First was deregistered by the Electoral Commission after failing to renew its registration in time but was re-registered in 2021.
Royston Smith, Tory MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "Britain First can do as they wish as long as it is within the law.
"While I disagree with everything they say, they have a right to say it.
"Free speech is a fundamental right. As long as they do not incite hatred or violence they are free to express their views either in public or elsewhere."
Totton councillor David Harrison added: "Britain First is unlikely to meet with any electoral success given their racist ideology.
"Britain is a multi-cultural, tolerant nation. It would be nice to think that the few people who do attend a meeting conclude that creating division and hate is not in the interests of this country."
One person who received the email - but has no intention of going - said: "This is the first major meeting of this group in the area and is being held secretly.
"Southampton is a diverse city and doesn't need Britain First."
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