AS I was interviewing protesters outside the Guildhall on Saturday I was surprised to hear that the centenary of the First World War was one of the points that had brought them and their banners down to protest.

A group stood outside the Guildhall on Worcester High Street on Saturday to protest against a conference that was being held by UKIP’s youth wing, Young Independence.

I understood where the Labour protesters were coming from, and what they were trying to say, but I couldn’t decide whether I agreed with their angle.

They seemed to think that it should not have been allowed.

Andy Graham, from Worcester Labour, said: “We have relatives that fought in first and second world wars against fascism. We take offence that UKIP would choose this weekend to start preaching racism to young people. In WW1 there were Muslims and Hindus fighting against fascism. Freedom is what our fathers fought for.”

This is true but shouldn’t everyone have the right to meet up and have a talk, regardless of what they are talking about? And is having a private conference, out of sight of the media, really doing any harm?

I cannot say I agree with all of UKIP’s policies and I do agree with Mr Graham’s point about UKIP leader Gerard Batten’s plea for Muslim-only prisons, which Mr Graham describes as “harking back to some of the darkest times in history.” However, I don’t think allowing a group to hold a meeting in the city is disgracing the memory of the brave people who died the First World War.

Of course, groups have the right to stage a protest about whatever they choose and we must also respect that.

The conference may have upset some but it did not spoil any of the centenary events. The city came to life yesterday with an incredible service held at the Cathedral and communities across the county marked the poignant occasion in their own unique ways. Respect and remembrance took precedence over anything else.