AN anti-racist group has reformed in Carlisle to “counter myths and prejudice” they say have been spread by ‘far right groups.’

Carlisle Against Racism (CAR) was originally founded more than 10 years ago to counter the rise of the British National Party (BNP) and following a dormant period, remobilised to be part of the counter demonstration to the anti-refugee march in Carlisle in March.

CAR, which is backed by the local trade union movement in Carlisle, has said that local people feeling the affects of the cost-of-living crisis have been ‘misled’ into blaming refugees and migrants rather than the government.

The UK has seen large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers attempting to enter the country over the past two years with the government housing them in hotels across the country – including two in Carlisle – as they deal with their asylum claim.

Other groups across Cumbria have reported a rise in racist incidents with The Cumbrian Race Equity Network (CREN) writing to home secretary, Suella Braverman outlining their opposition to the new migrant bill referencing the march held in Carlisle.

CREN said the march ‘deepened’ the distress of the refugees at the Hilltop Hotel, and that 'hate incidents and racist assaults increased in the wake of the protest' and local groups have said there is 'no place for racism and division' after the openly fascist group New British Union held a meeting at a Penrith village hall.

In order to counter ‘backward fears and prejudices’, CAR have produced a ‘fact-checking leaflet’ to help counter rumours and beliefs about refugees.

The leaflet calls for above inflation pay rises for all, a £15 hr minimum wage and the renationalisation of privatised services under democratic control to help combat a rise in racism and says that the ruling Conservative party are blaming ‘vulnerable minorities’ to ‘save their own skins from electoral wipeout’.

The group, which are led by local activist, Brent Kennedy, are planning to hand the leaflets out in Carlisle after an initial ‘good response’.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the group is urged to email carlisleagainstracism@outlook.com.