Group gathers at Sunderland war memorial to 'protect it from vandalism'

The group has gathered at the war memorial on Burdon Road, Sunderland to protect it from potentially being targeted by vandals, they say.

It follows attacks on statues in London and Bristol last weekend during protests linked to the Black Lives Matter movement over historical racism to the people depicted in them.

Authorities in London have boarded up the statue of Winston Churchill this weekend.

Sid Cooper, one of the people gathered at the Sunderland war memorial today explained why they were there.

He said: “We are here, hoping to protect our country’s heritage for the future generations.

“It is an absolute disgrace what has been happening up and down the country.”

Despite those protecting the memorial in Sunderland City Centre, there are no protests relating to the Black Lives Matter movement planned to take place on Wearside.

Sunderland City Council’s Conservative group launched a petition on Wednesday, June 10 to “protect” the city’s historic monuments “so mobs do not destroy them”.

There has been no reported protests, counter demonstrations or damage to landmarks in Sunderland.

A statue to British Empire Major General Sir Henry Havelock in Mowbray Park was added to “Topple the Racists” list this week, yet no protesters were guarding it today (Saturday, June 13).

The leaders of the Council have promised that a “conversation” will be held to review the future of any monuments which may cause offence.

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