Protests split fascists

Anti-racists outnumber and surround fascist Patriotic Alternative in Long Eaton (Picture: Stand Up To Racism)

The Patriotic Alternative (PA) fascists are falling out with each other and splitting into rival factions. PA’s former national administrator chose the anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s birthday to proclaim a new Nazi organisation—Homeland.

Fascist groups always tend to have bitter rows about who is the fuhrer—and about who grabs the supporters’ money. But the most important factor is that PA have repeatedly faced opposition on the streets. Their internal messages show deep frustration that wherever they go they face opposition from Stand Up To Racism and others.

One top Nazi bleated last weekend that in Long Eaton “absolutely no members of the public could get to us” because of anti-racist protest.  The way to break up fascists, isolate them, and demoralise their supporters is by relentless campaigning and mass confrontation.  

There’s no room for complacency. The far right hopes to grow because the Tories are pushing hatred of refugees and migrants. That creates the conditions for potential fascist advance. 

At any point we could see a repeat of the vile assault on refugees that happened in Knowsley, or a local electoral breakthrough. The PA’s splits should be a spur to more mobilisations on the streets, more campaigns against fascists in the May elections and a positive, fighting, class alternative to the despair and hatred of fascism.