Anti-racists in Clacton say they will build fight against Farage

Anti-racists in Clacton understand the need to challenge and fight racism head on (Photo: Stand up to Racism)

Anti-racists say they will keep fighting after Nigel Farage’s victory in the Clacton by-election on Friday.

Miriam is a Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) activist who has spent the last six weeks campaigning against Reform UK in the seaside constituency.

She told Socialist Worker, “It is very important for anti-racist activists to get out to Essex, get out to Reform UK friendly terrain at any opportunity.

“We’ve proven that this does have an impact, but most importantly it means we can get out there and talk to people.”

“The whole narrative has been so ramped up by racism,” she explained. “There is rampant anti-migrant and anti-refugee racism and Islamophobia across society. But we can’t let them have the run of things.”

Miriam described one conversation she had. “He had moved to Clacton from London with his wife about seven years ago,” she said. “He came to sign our petition against Farage, but when we asked for his details he said it wouldn’t help because he was moving back to London soon.

“When I asked him why, he explained that it’s because his wife is black and the area has become so unfriendly.

“That was a barometer for me. It goes to show that the levels of racism has changed so dramatically in the last few years.”

Miriam said that after the election, activists in SUTR are hoping to reach out to everyone they met while campaigning. She said, “We’re planning a post-election meeting and we’re organising a group from Clacton to join the Essex Unity Demonstration in Chelmsford on 17 October.

“We’ve met some really key activists in Clacton through our work in SUTR and we want to include them, and get them to lead activity as much as possible.

“I’ve spoken to some people about holding a gig here. Clacton was an entertainment town and gigs are fertile ground for us to organise.”

Miriam said it’s important to remember that the election results don’t give people the full image of the town. “We’ve got fantastic activists here,” she said.

“There are strong anti-racists in Clacton who understand the need to challenge and fight racism head on.”