The Archdiocese of Liverpool has said a planned ‘Walk with Jesus’ march does not have permission to use its piazza, despite organisers advertising it as the starting point.

Nick Tenconi, leader of the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP), has urged people to “stand for Christ in Liverpool during Lent” at the event planned for 21st March. Attendees have been told to gather on the steps of Cathedral House, at the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Organisers have not contacted the archdiocese and permission has not been given for the use of its site.

A statement from the dean warned that “there is no place for prejudice, racism or bigotry towards others. We pray that these truths will be recognised by all”.

UKIP’s previous “Walk with Jesus” march in January was banned from taking place around Whitechapel, London, as police deemed it could lead to “significant disorder” with the area having a significant Muslim population. 

The party has held a “mass deportation tour” through towns and cities, advocating for the removal of migrants from the country and for Britain to stop accepting refugees.

The statement read: “We wish to make it clear that we are strongly opposed to the Cathedral being used by any organisation for partisan political activity giving the impression that this is done in our name or ‘the Christian community on Merseyside’.

“Our worshipping community consists of people of every nationality and we welcome all to the Church. The Catholic Church respects the dignity of every person irrespective of their country of origin and recognises the religious freedom of people of all faiths and none. Every person is created equal by God.

“As Pope Leo XIV has said of meeting other people, ‘We must meet one another… This requires patience, a willingness to listen, the ability to identify with the pain of others, and the recognition that we have the same dreams and the same hopes.’”