Family members of those there on day celebrate
Over 300 anti-fascists rallied in Leeds on Sunday to remember a pivotal battle against Oswald Mosley and the Blackshirts in the 1930s.
The Battle of Holbeck Moor saw 30,000 people turn out against Mosley’s British Union of Fascists on 27 September 1936. It came just before the Battle of Cable Street, where anti-fascists stopped the Blackshirts from marching in east London.
Anti-fascists unveiled a blue plaque to those who beat back Mosley in an event organised by Leeds Stand Up To Racism (SUTR).
Speakers included descendants of those who fought Mosley on Holbeck Moor. One of the descendants said, “My granddad was Syd Elias who was one of the organisers, my mum was also at the event.
“I’m immensely proud of my grandfather and my family, I’m proud of the role Syd played in resisting fascism and his fight for social justice.”
Sam Kirk from Leeds SUTR said, “Mosley was stopped from whipping up racism in Leeds by the sheer number of people opposing him. He was sent a clear message that he was not welcome.
“Just weeks after Tommy Robinson addressed his followers in London, we saw windows being smashed and hotels housing those seeking asylum being set on fire.”
The crowd broke out into chants of “Never again”.
Sam pointed to the anti-fascist mobilisations that took back the streets after the far right riots in August. “Just as the 30,000 stopped Mosley from being heard by his supporters by drowning them out, we must make sure the voices of hate aren’t heard today,” she added.
Richard Burgon, the Labour MP for Leeds East, told the rally, “We’re celebrating each and every one of the anti-fascists who came to this field and sent Oswald Mosley packing. They had a simple message—you, your fascism, your racism, your antisemitism are not welcome in Leeds and our society.
“I’m proud to take part in this event as someone whose family member was there on the anti-fascist mobilisation.
“My grandfather, Tommy Burgon, was there at the age of 22. He understood that fascism, racism and antisemitism had to be driven back.”
He congratulated Leeds SUTR for organising against fascism and the far right. “As we look to mainland Europe and see the electoral advances of fascists and the far right, that should chill us all,” he said.
“As well the electoral advances of the far right, we’ve seen street mobilisations of fascists in this country. Arson attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, attacks on mosques, people felt frightened and asked ‘are we welcome?’ On Holbeck Moor, 30,000 people drowned Mosley out—we have to do the same thing today.”
Racism first developed as a justification for enslavement
