17 August: Anti-racists outnumber fascists across Britain

People turn out in Portsmouth as part of anti-racist protests across Britain

Anti-racists mobilised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and other groups were out on Saturday to make sure there was no resurgence of far right protests. In every case anti-racists were the majority.

In Birmingham over 500 anti-racists came on to the streets to meet a far right protest that had been advertised for a long time. But, reports, Bob Moloney, “None of the far right were to be seen and instead we had a joyous celebration of anti-racist unity.

“There were speakers and banners from SUTR, the Indian Workers’ Association, the Unite, Unison and PCS unions, Stop the War Coalition, LGBT+ Against Islamophobia and many others.

“The Alum Rock Palestine solidarity group who organise every week marched to the protest, joined us and spoke at the rally.

“It was a really big success and as many people were involved as on any of the recent protests.

“Two weeks of activity has cemented trust between groups and built connections of solidarity.”   

In Portsmouth 400 anti-racists turned out to oppose 40 from the far right. 

Jon Woods from the trades council said, “There was a real feeling of solidarity, bolstered by poetry, music and great speeches about how confronting the far right is an absolute necessity. 

“We had support from the Unite, Unison and PCS unions, the trades council and Amanda Martin, the Labour MP for Portsmouth North.”

Simon from SUTR said, “We had really strong union support last week, and that carried on into this week.

“The far right didn’t march or do much because we simply outnumbered them.”

Jon added, “We chanted ‘There are many, many more of us then you’, and that drowned them out. 

“We have no doubts about our victory, and they went away with their tail between their legs.”

Anti-fascists outnumbered fascists in Dover—over 100 to zero.

SUTR and Kent Anti-Racism Networked called a counter-mobilisation to an advertised Patriotic Alternative rally. The far right group then posted on social media cancelling its action.

“There were some reports of people potentially scattered around, but no one showed up,” socialist Sophia Beach said from the anti-racist protest. 

“We had a good show from SUTR. There was a local NEU union banner and Thanet for Palestine activists.”

Anti-fascists held placards reading, “Farage is a racist”, flew Palestine flags and chanted, “Refugees are welcome here.”

“We met in Market Square at 10.30am round the corner from where they were supposed to meet at 11.30am. When they didn’t show we had a few speeches and decided to march round the town,” Sophia added.

“We didn’t face any hostility, and some people beeped their car horns in support.”

Sophia told Socialist Worker the protest was a “success”. “Dover has often been a place where the fascists have had a base,” she said. 

In Liverpool, Tristan reports that 70 anti-racists turned out against the far right, who mustered just ten. 

Despite their small number, they showed their vile politics by chanting slogans against Islam. The police did nothing about this clearly hateful and inflammatory language. 

The anti-racist mobilisation was supported by Unison and UCU union banners, as well as wider union support. 

Outnumbered, the far right kept their distance. The counter-protest was strong, lively and energetic, with chants of “Stop the violence, stop the hate” ringing out.

And 100 anti-racists gathered in Taunton, Somerset.