“Right-wing politicians and media outlets scapegoat migrants for the consequences of their favoured austerity policies: crumbling public services, rising NHS waiting lists, struggles with school places.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
By Patrick Foley, Labour Outlook
In what was pegged to be another day of far-right violence, yesterday evening saw the tables turn, with thousands of anti-racists and anti-fascists taking to the streets to stop the resurgent right in their tracks.
Early fears of rioting, looting and attacks were sparked when far-right “hit lists” were circulated online, including areas in London for the first time since the riots began. The hit lists targeted mosques, asylum centres, NGOs and even high streets with migrant-run businesses across the country.
Rather than a continuation of the targeted racist violence that was expected, what we witnessed was an inspiring show of force, unity and solidarity from thousands of peaceful demonstrators amassing in huge numbers across the country. The impact of these mobilisations should not be understated – even the Met Police Chief praised communities for coming together peacefully to stop the riots.
The actions were coordinated by Stand Up TO Racism and other anti-racist organisations, who brought people together around a clear message: far-right hate is not welcome here.
In the London Borough of Walthamstow, crowds of thousands flooded the streets, showing what a real mass movement looks like, putting the claims that the far-right are the “voice of the people” immediately and comfortably to bed.
Lewisham also came together against the intimidation and scapegoating of asylum seekers and migrant communities.
Oxford anti-racists and anti-fascists were out in force, showing solidarity with the targetted local mosque and defending a local refugee hotel on the far-right “hit list”.
Brighton and Hove saw over 2000 demonstrators take part in their counter-demo and, like other planned far-right protests that evening, the tiny handful of fascists were completely outnumbered.
Hundreds also turned up to the Birmingham demonstration, with political activist Salma Yaqoob stating that “the antidote to racism and division is communities visibly standing together.”
Further to the demonstrations mentioned above, Liverpool, Leicester, Sunderland, Newcastle, Bristol, and many other towns and cities also saw anti-racist and anti-fascist actions take place.
On top of these inspiring mass mobilisations, we saw a range of campaigners, leading trade unionists and left political voices condemning the racism of the far-right – but also pointing to the conditions that led to their rise.
Speaking to Sky News, Clive Lewis MP highlighted the backdrop of austerity which has laid fertile ground for the far-right.
On a Channel 4 News panel, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP challenged the widespread scapegoating and anti-migrant rhetoric that has become normalised by politicians and the press: “These riots show what can happen when they aren’t called out on their lies”.
Zarah Sultana MP was another to target the media’s complicity in the rise of racism and anti-migrant hate.
Apsana Begum MP praised the powerful message sent by last night’s counter-protesters: “We are diverse, multicultural, of all faiths and non, and from around the world. We stand together against your intolerance, division and hatred.”
Kate Osborne MP added her support to the message of the counter-demos stating: “Your racism and Islamophobia are not welcome and we will stand united against you.”
Last night’s mobilisations were not the first taken against the far-right. Last week in Leeds, Richard Burgon MP, spoke at a counter-demo against the far-right in the city center, one of many organised around the country.
As the far-right violence swept across the country earlier in the week, Jeremy Corbyn was a clear voice for unity and for solidarity with those targetted.
“Stand up to racism. Defend refugees. Inspire belief in a better world. That is how you defeat the far right once and for all.”
Newly elected Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed also voiced his alarm at the targeting of Muslims and minority groups – and joined fellow Independent MPs in writing to the Government to call for a meeting to address the surge in racist violence.
Trade unions were also involved in organising the anti-fascist and anti-racist actions and building the demonstrations around the country. Leading trade union voices issued strong statements condemning the far-right and calling for unity and resistance across our movement.
Amongst them were the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), who issued a statement of solidarity in the first days of the rioting: “Solidarity with all those facing islamophobia, violence and intimidation.”
PCS Union General Secretary Fran Heathcote and President Martin Cavanagh issued a joint statement vowing to support communities and to continue to educate and organise against fascism and racism in society.
National Education Union (NEU) General Secretary Daniel Kebede proudly recognised the large numbers of teachers and support staff who took part in the anti-hate marches, proclaiming that “fighting the far-right is a trade union issue.”
While there is much solace to be taken from last night’s powerful show of unity, compassion and solidarity, the issues at the heart of the resurgent far-right remain. The damaging effects of austerity continue to be felt across our communities and the scapegoating of migrants and asylum seekers will need to be continually challenged at every level.
Tommy Robinson, Nigel Farage and their supporters are organised, manipulative and well-resourced. The fight is not over yet.
This is exactly why Stand Up To Racism are continuing the “Stop The Far Right” campaign – you can join them for a launch event next Saturday.
- You can join Stand Up To Racism’s Emergency Campaign Launch on Saturday, 17th August.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles here and internationally, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon.
