Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City, said: “On Saturday far right agitators are planning to come to Brighton for an unpatriotic march to stir up division.
“My message to them is simple: don’t come. Your message of hatred is not welcome here.
“Brighton & Hove is a proudly diverse city. Where white residents, Black residents, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, people of no faith, gay residents, trans residents, feminists, refugees and mixed race people like me, live side by side peacefully.”
Councillor Sankey continued: “We know better than to blame whole communities for the actions of individuals.
“This is our home, and in Brighton & Hove difference is famously our strength.
“We speak 108 languages in this City of Sanctuary. We have a Premier League football club whose players hail from all corners of the world. And 30% of the children in our schools are from global majority backgrounds.”
Councillor Sankey added: “To Brighton & Hove residents I recognise that events like this cause concern and can affect communities in different ways, especially those already facing discrimination or intimidation.
“The council is in regular contact with community representatives, listening to concerns and offering the information and support.
“The council is also working closely with Sussex Police to ensure they are planning to deploy appropriate resources to keep people safe and minimise disruption.
“My priority is ensuring residents, communities and businesses are protected.”
Councillor Sankey continued: “In an emergency, contact the police on 999. And you can report a hate crime anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Please look out for each other. If you witness anti-social behaviour, a hate incident or crime please report it as soon as possible.”
An exciting week of events is planned across the city to celebrate this year's Refugee Week, starting Monday 15 June.
Councillor Bella Sankey has issued a statement following the publication the EHRC's guidance on single sex spaces.