MP praises "unity and compassion" during counter protest

A Newtown counter demonstration has been hailed as a show of “unity and compassion” by Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden.

The event was organised in response to a protest by the Newtown Action Committee over immigration and the NHS in the UK. Large numbers gathered in the town to oppose the NAC protest, with many calling for tolerance and solidarity.

Mr Witherden, who addressed the counter protest, said the turnout highlighted the values of the community.

“The size of the counterdemonstration assembled in Newtown today showed that the values of the people of Wales are unity and compassion, not division and intolerance,” he said.

He acknowledged frustration over the slow improvement in living standards and concerns about people breaking rules, but stressed that challenges facing communities could only be solved “if we stand united.”

“I addressed that crowd today with real solutions to these common problems: properly taxing extreme wealth, reducing inequality, investing in affordable housing, ending child poverty, and bringing down NHS waiting times. I will continue to work every day to see these things realised,” he added.

There was a heavy police presence in the town centre as the two groups protested in Broad Street and High Street.