Last week I was proud to keep my New Year’s promise to my residents by attending the anti-Trump march and rally in Newcastle.

I was not marching against the USA, nor even particularly the person of the President himself. I was protesting what Donald Trump represents – his Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, nationalism, trade wars, militarism and environmental carelessness. All of these things have been well-reported, and are part of the factual record.

I am aware that the anti-Trump demonstrations were controversial, and not everyone may agree with what I did. I have received online trolling for my stand.

However, I would ask anybody tempted to disagree with me to note again what I was protesting – Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, nationalism, trade wars, militarism and environmental carelessness. And I would ask them to tell me which of those things I was wrong to challenge.

On the march, I was proud to carry a placard saying: “Refugees Welcome Here”. In Newton Aycliffe we are ALL incomers, and EVERY family here has known the hopes, fears and problems involved in building a new life in a new place. Yet we have created a community which is tolerant, welcoming and supportive of all different kinds of people. That’s what I value, that’s what I want to protect, and that’s why I was out demonstrating last week.

John D. Clare