Gideon Amos has spoken out against a visit to Taunton by the leader of the far-right Britain First group.
Anti-immigration activist and convicted criminal Paul Golding has been confirmed to attend and speak by organisers of a protest against "illegal immigration" beginning from Hamilton Park on Saturday, July 25.
Paul Golding was previously jailed in 2016 after organising a "mosque invasion" in Cardiff, and was jailed again in 2018 for religiously aggravated harassment, and in 2020 convicted under the Terrorism Act.
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Mr Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton, said: "While, of course, the right to peaceful protest should be upheld, here in Taunton we have hugely benefitted from those who have built a home here – often at our invitation – to staff and support our NHS, to be care workers for our loved ones and help our small businesses and High Streets thrive.
"Our rich community – everyone who makes up our town and the surrounding area – creates growth for our local economy, provides services we all rely on and inspires hope for our future.
Gideon Amos MP added: "Those are the values which make Taunton and Wellington such strong communities and any outsider, like this criminal individual, coming to break that apart is not wanted, is not welcome and those behind him will not succeed.
"They should turn tail and go elsewhere. There is no place here for fear or division – our community is stronger than that."
A previous protest organised by the same group on Saturday, June 27, was widely condemned by local politicians, and a counter-demonstration was held.
The organisers have said they have notified the police of the upcoming protest and secured approval for their route march.
In a post on social media advertising the event, organisers said they "reject racism in all its forms" and instructed attendees to behave "peacefully and respectfully" and not to drink alcohol or use foul or abusive language.
Police and Taunton Town Council issue statements on protest
A spokesperson at Taunton Town Council said: "The right to peaceful assembly is a matter recognised in law, but responsibility for public order and any policing response sits with Avon and Somerset Police.
"We would expect anyone using Hamilton Park to behave responsibly and not disrupt other park users or any existing bookings."
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of a protest and counter-protest expected to take place in Taunton town centre next weekend.
"A policing operation is being stood up to enable a peaceful protest and we are engaging with both sides to ensure the safety of those participating in either protest and the wider public."
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