On Saturday UKIP extremists were sent packing. Madeline Heneghan reports

Over a thousand people assembled at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral to oppose Ukip’s so called march for Jesus on Saturday. Less than a hundred Ukip supporters, some with crosses and bizarre medieval flags, were surrounded by protesters chanting ‘Whose streets our streets’ and ‘refugees are welcome here’. It was great to see trade unionists, clergy, anti-war activists, Women Against the Far Right, and communities from across the city joining Stand Up to Racism in a show of unity and strength. In the days preceding the planned march Catholic and Anglican dioceses and the leader of Liverpool City Council issued statements denouncing Ukip’s ideology of division and hate as did Kim Johnson MP who was part of the protest on the day.

Merseyside Police were out in force but their attempts to move us away from Ukip and into a designated zone were futile.

Police announcements informing us that we would be arrested if we didn’t move were drowned out by chanting and the Laurel and Hardy tune played by a brass trio.

Ukip’s aim was to march across the city centre to the Pier Head but instead they were escorted by police to Lime Street station. This is the second time in the space of a year that Ukip have been totally humiliated and run out of Liverpool.

Saturday was another huge victory in the fight for a just, fair and inclusive society.