A prominent politician will face demonstrations during a visit to Sussex this Wednesday afternoon.
Nigel Farage, who leads Reform UK, is scheduled to appear at the South of England Showground near Ardingly on March 25 as part of his party’s local election push.
The ex-MEP and key Brexit campaigner is slated to speak to constituents at an event organised by party chairman Dr David Bull.
Nevertheless, the trip has already drawn criticism from campaigners who contend his appearance will exacerbate tensions within the community.
Reform UK is staging a gathering in Sussex as part of its local election efforts.
Mid-Sussex Stand Up to Racism has organised a No to Farage counter-demonstration to gather at the showground’s primary entrance from 5.30pm.
A representative from the organisation said Farage was arriving in Ardingly to spread additional hatred and discord throughout Sussex. The group described Reform as a far-right organisation that poses a threat to the rights of refugees, migrant workers, women, LGBT individuals, disabled people, and workers in general.
The activists maintain they are showing support for refugees and migrant workers who contributed to establishing the National Health Service.
The collective declared that their demonstration expresses solidarity with refugees, Muslims, and migrant workers, stating these groups remain welcome in Sussex while Farage does not.
Prior to the visit, Farage contributed an opinion article to The Argus asserting that Sussex councils are burdened with substantial debt.
He attributed a combined £663 million deficit affecting both East and West Sussex to Conservative governance.
He noted that this situation results in over £24 million annually merely in interest payments, equivalent to £67,000 daily.
Farage is a well-known Eurosceptic, though Mid-Sussex Stand Up to Racism contends his party contains numerous former Conservative politicians.
Several thousand attendees are anticipated for the 7pm event, with both backers and opponents expected at the Ardingly venue.
The Stand Up to Racism representative finished by stating that unity is necessary for constructing a superior future collectively.
Farage is expected to unveil his party’s proposals for the region during the evening, prior to the local elections.
Reform UK has promoted the Ardingly gathering as a high-energy, broadcast-style event and offered £5 tickets through its website.
The gathering occurs ahead of local elections scheduled for May 7, with Reform UK conducting campaigning activities throughout Sussex.