Anti-fascists stand up to racists across Britain

Anti-racists mobilised against the fascists in Leeds on Saturday

Over 300 anti-racists opposed some 60 fascists of the Patriots of Yorkshire group in Leeds last Saturday. The counter-protest was ogranised by Leeds Stand Up To Racism (SUTR).

Leeds SUTR activist Caroline reported that “the centre of Leeds was filled with the sounds of some 300 anti-racists”. They were shouting “loud and clear that refugees are welcome here”.

The fascists’ leader, self-proclaimed British nationalist and Adolf Hitler look-a-like Alek Yerbury, tried to muster the far right from across Britain under the slogan, “Enough is enough.”

And he wanted to whip up support for his openly racist demands of, “No more globalists,” and, “Our country for our own.”

“In the end, fewer than 60 turned up, and the cops only permitted them to take a short walk around the backstreets,” Caroline reported. “They were heavily outnumbered by Leeds SUTR.

“We brought together anti-racists, workers, community campaigners, students, DJs and musicians to celebrate our diverse and inclusive city.

“And we let the Yorkshire Patriots know that we will always stand strong and united against their divisive filth.

“Our noisy and vibrant march through the centre of Leeds was appreciated by many, with thumbs up and hoots of support from taxi drivers, and applause from shoppers and hospitality workers.”

Supporting organisations included Leeds Disabled People’s Organisation, Keep Our NHS Public, the David Oluwale Memorial Association, Care for Calais, Angels of Freedom, Trans Leeds and the Leeds Feminist Book Club.

Solidarity came from the Leeds trades council, Bradford and Shipley trades council, Huddersfield trades council and Calderdale trades council.

Unions that supported it included the FBU, NEU, RMT, Napo, Leeds University Unite, Leeds University Unison, PCS Yorkshire and the Humber, Unite Community Leeds and Wakefield, Bradford College UCU and Unite Community Bradford.

In addition some 40 anti-racists gathered again outside the Muthu Glasgow River hotel in Erskine last Sunday. The Nazi Homeland Party only had 13.

Glasgow SUTR’s mobilisation included asylum seekers from the hotel, who joined for dancing, karaoke, food and football.

Activist Alex report, “They’re certainly on their last legs and are fuming that we’ve created such a welcoming environment for local people in Erskine, that we have asylum seekers from the hotel alongside trade unionists and anti-racists.”

Meanwhile, 75 anti-fascists saw off 20 bigots protesting against a Drag Queen Story Hour event in Swindon.

Activists held placards reading, “Don’t let the far right divide us,” blasted music and waved pride flags.

And in Manchester around 90 people opposed the far right Students Against Tyranny. The group is a mix of conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxxers, climate deniers and fascists. Around 20 of them gathered, but were confronted by students and trade unionists in Unison, PCS and UCU.

Fascists and the far right are trying to grow out of the Tories’ assault on refugees, migrants and trans people. Activists have to oppose the Tories’ attacks—and the far right on the streets.