The presence of the international far right shows how fascist ideas, once marginal, are now given platforms across Europe (Photo: X/ZemmourEric)
French far right figures Jean Messiha and Eric Zemmour joined the far right mass mobilisation on 13 September, invited by fascist Tommy Robinson.
This sparked outrage among many French people in London, across France and anti-racists internationally. Many were horrified to see these figures marching alongside fascists in Britain.
Messiha and Zemmour built their profiles by spouting racism, Islamophobia and anti-immigration rhetoric. Zemmour became notorious for tirades against Muslims and migrants, designed to create controversy. Messiha postures as a defender of “French identity.” Both are media-made demagogues who thrive on provocation.
What makes this even more disturbing is their own backgrounds. Zemmour, is the son of Algerian Jewish immigrants and Messiha was born in Egypt. They weaponise their origins to justify racism and division.
The march was the largest far right mobilisation in British history. But it was not uncontested as thousands of people rallied in a powerful counter-protest.
Together they sent a clear message—we stand with migrants and refugees and we refuse to let fascists dominate our streets.
As someone who grew up in France of Algerian background, I saw first-hand how figures such as Zemmour fuelled fear and racism. Their speeches shaped daily life, creating a climate of fear that has stayed with me ever since.
Seeing them in London felt like the figures who ruined my childhood had followed me here. This experience shows how fascist ideas, once marginal, are now given platforms across Europe.
That is why our struggle must be international—from Paris to London, ordinary people must unite to push back the far right.
R Aysha, south London
Coming from Hong Kong, I see the same authoritarian turn taking place in Britain. The ruling class uses authoritarian laws to protect profit.
The Crime and Policing Bill would ban face coverings at protests. It encourages bosses and police to intimidate us. This is no difference to the oppressive National Security Law in Hong Kong that jailed pro-democracy activists and politicians.
The police are deploying facial recognition, despite opposition from human and legal rights groups. It was used at the Notting Hill Carnival, showing how ordinary people are surveilled without consent.
The proposed Chinese “mega-embassy” in London is more than undemocratic—it is a state surveillance project. Tower Hamlets council rejected it, but the then deputy prime minister Angela Rayner overruled it. It is clear that our government will side with authoritarian powers.
The proscription of Palestine Action is no different. We cannot wait for politicians to defend us. Only collective, militant mobilisation can protect our rights and resist authoritarian power.
Justin, north London
Earlier this month, 24 dietitians and nutritionists met up in the newly formed group Nutrition Action for Palestine (Nap).
It was started by dietitians and nutritionists who are frustrated with the silence over Palestine from our professional bodies.
The mood was confident and determined. As health professionals, we are clear that we cannot stand by during an Israeli-made famine.
We discussed what we could do within our workplaces to support Palestine, especially Palestinian health workers and students, and boycott Israeli links. We have already had members participating in the previous Palestine marches. We took part in action with fellow health workers at the DSEI international arms fair on 9 September.
There was also a Nap speaker at the Right to Food UK conference on 13 September on the forced starvation in Gaza.
Katherine, dietitian, London
Islington Stand Up To Racism went to an estate by a hotel housing migrants in north London.
Local mums told us they were concerned about the blatant racism. They had stopped letting their black kids out to play. We exposed the racist and misogynist lies. The mums shared their experiences and realised they’re not alone.
Some people aren’t armed with the arguments, or are anti-racist but think that they’re alone. We need to get out there and talk to them.
Maia Kazakova Garcia, north London
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