Lib Dems condemn plans for far right protest at the Carlton Centre

Abbey Ward Lib Dem Councillor Clare Smalley: "Firstly, my thoughts are with the three little girls who lost their lives, and their families and community in Southport. As a mother and primary school teacher, I share their grief in this horrific moment. 

"To see local shops we use and love fearfully board-up their businesses this evening breaks my heart. As a local councillor for the Carlton Centre, it's a vibrant community which does not deserve to be in the spotlight due to misinformation and scaremongering by opportunists. 

"There is no place for hatred, racism or islamophobia in Lincoln and anyone who tries to incite violence here will feel the full force of the law. The Liberal Democrats stand squarely behind Lincolnshire Police, the local businesses and community needlessly put at risk this evening."