Nazis face opposition—no thanks to police

Fascist organisations tried to stir up hate in Dover, Kent, and Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, last Saturday—but anti-fascists were organised to counter them.

In Dewsbury up to 170 anti-fascists braved wind and hail to turn out against over 100 Britain First supporters.

Residents are getting sick of demonstrations by the far right. This time local Muslim groups were central to the counter-protest.

It follows their delegations to help refugees in Calais and flood victims in Hebden Bridge and York.

Leading trade unionists and MP Paula Sherriff made speeches. When the Nazis came into sight protesters chanted, “Nazi scum off our streets” and, “Never again”.

Anti-fascists confront the nazi National Front in Dover (Pic: Guy Smallman)

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Some 270 anti-Nazis confronted 150 fascists in Dover. Nazi groups from all over Britain descended there for an anti-immigration march called by the National Front.

But anti-fascists marched from a rally in the town centre to block the route of the Nazis’ march. Police allowed groups of fascists to attack the march from the side and rear with bricks, rocks and bottles.

Anti-Nazis defended themselves. But police pushed them into a kettle, splitting the protest before allowing the Nazis to march past.

Police also held a number of anti-fascists travelling to the demo in coaches at Maidstone service station for around five hours. A group of Nazis had attacked the anti-fascists at the service station.

The anti-Nazi protest was organised by Kent Anti-Racism Network and supported by Unite Against Fascism (UAF).

Labour shadow minister Diane Abbott spoke at the rally. She said, “We cannot allow the fascists to make one section of the working class blame another section of the working class for their problems”.

Weyman Bennett from UAF said, “This shows the need to keep organising.”