Anti-racists are gearing up to oppose a protest by supporters of the Islamophobic group Pegida in Newcastle on 28 February.
It has become a focus for assorted Nazi and racist groups.
Simon Hall of Newcastle Unites, the anti-racist group calling a counter-demonstration, told Socialist Worker, “It is important we come out and make a stand.
“A racist group like Pegida cannot be allowed to gain a foothold here.”
Pegida emerged in Germany where it had a meteoric rise with tens of thousands protesting against the “Islamification” of Europe.
But anti-racists pushed it back, causing five leading members to leave. This crisis led it to try and put down roots elsewhere.
Anti-racists plan a public meeting on Wednesday of this week.
Speakers include Weyman Bennett of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and Fazia Hussain Brown, the Unite union’s regional organiser.
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