AROUND 200 people marched from the Jamia Mosque in Newport on Saturday as a show of “peace and unity” in response to a planned far-right rally.

The Welsh Alliance had told Gwent Police they planned a demonstration – but the splinter group of the English Defence League did not appear to have turned up.

Socialist campaigners joined up with Muslims and Christians outside the Jamia Mosque on Commercial Street this morning before they began their march to Westgate Square.

Ishfaq Hussain, vice secretary of the Islamic Society for Wales, said: “I have come here today to tell everybody that [not all Muslims] are the same. We don’t think like terrorists. It doesn’t matter what colour or faith you are, we are all one.”

It is understood the Welsh Alliance planned a march after more than 500 Muslims held their annual procession in September last year to commemorate the anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson.

The peaceful Muslim march, which has been running for more than 30 years, was disrupted by members of the far-right party the National Front who shouted chants and held up flags.

Aftab Shah, who was among those outside the Jamia Mosque this morning, said: “We are here to show Newport that we are a model town for unity. Newport is very diverse, it has great culture and I don’t think anyone will ever really break that. I don’t think far-right groups or any extremists will have any sort of impact in Newport.”

Mr Shah said he hadn’t seen anyone from the Welsh Alliance: “They’ve probably seen us and thought, ‘Better go home and have a cup of tea’.”

Among the marchers were Zara Fatima, six, who held a placard reading ‘Muslims against ISIS’, her brother Zaighum Abbas, 5, and their grandfather Mohammed Ramzan.

Paul Halliday, a Christian minister and Liberal Democrat candidate for Newport East, also marched. He said any Welsh Alliance showing would likely be from outside the city: “For a far right protest to succeed in Newport they have to gather people from elsewhere, because there just isn’t that feeling in Newport. I hope it never gets to that point.”

Mubarak Ali said: “This is a peaceful march of all faiths. All mosques in Newport are law-abiding. Islam is a religion of peace and we respect the law and queen and country.”

Jayne Bryant, Labour’s Assembly candidate for Newport West, said: “We must stand together and never be divided. Newport has a long history and tradition of being a welcoming, tolerant city. That has to be our future as well.”

Wales Green Party leader Pippa Bartolotti also spoke at the rally, and was cheered as she told the crowd: “I like the lovely, colourful place Newport is. We are a rich tapestry of people and colours and we all get on.”

Newport Supt Glyn Fernquest said: "The march in Newport City Centre today was facilitated by Gwent Police and passed peacefully.

"The individuals marching congregated at Westgate Square and dispersed by approximately 1pm.

"At approximately 2pm there was a spontaneous protest gathering on Bridge Street. Officers were present, and it dispersed a short time later.

"No offences were committed and no arrests made.

"Thank you to the individuals involved and the people who visited the city centre today for your cooperation."