Image: Anti-fascists assemble in their thousands in Tower Hamlets as part of the Unity Demonstration on 25 October 2025
Last year was a massively challenging year for antiracists.
Fueled by government and “mainstream” scapegoating of asylum seekers Nigel Farage’s Reform UK topped opinion polls and protests erupted at refugee accommodation across Britain.
In September fascist Tommy Robinson led the biggest far right initiated protest in British history. But despite the growth of support for the far right we saw growing resistance.
Stand Up To Racism groups were at the heart of opposing the far right’s targeting of asylum seekers, of building unity events, of building solidarity with refugees and in taking the antiracist and antifascist message into workplaces, communities and college campuses.
The reports below are an impressive documentation of what building a mass movement against the far right is all about.
In 2026 we’ll face even bigger challenges with elections across Britain in May where Reform UK is set to break through and a further demo initiated by Tommy Robinson on Saturday 16 May. But we can stop the far right. On Saturday 28 March the newly formed “Together alliance” has called a mass mobilisation against the far right. It can be the springboard to a campaign to drive back Reform UK at the polls and the likes of Tommy Robinson on the streets.
News update: Anti-racist/anti-fascist round up from 2025
LONDON, EAST & SOUTH-EAST
Hackney
Began the year demonstrating outside a Katie Hopkins Hate-Fest in Shoreditch. Supported solidarity counter-protests in Epping and on the Isle of Dogs, and mobilised for a demonstration against Tenconi and UKIP in Whitechapel in October. Joined protest against Tommy Robinson’s ‘reclaim Christmas’ event in December.
Following Robinson’s September shock, have brought together and held several meetings at local workplaces, including Homerton Hospital, which has set up Homerton Against the Far Right, and a 57-strong one at Hackney council.
Sent delegates to the SUTR AGM. Worked with Hackney NEU to establish a group against the Far Right in a local school. Hackney College UCU agreed to support SUTR and heard a speaker from Care4Calais.
We organised a solidarity event for Care4Calais and raised £500. We are now planning a public rally with local MP and SUTR President Diane Abbott and others speaking in January, with the aim of building Hackney Together Against the Far Right.
Haringey North London
January: Built for anti-Tommy Robinson demo with leafleting at four local tube stations, and local mosques.
February: Held LMHR event at local bar.
March: sent delegates to SUTR trade union conference; leafletted St Ann’s ward to oppose Reform UK in council by-election, and held a second LMHR gig.
April: Leafletted St Ann’s ward and Waltham Cross to oppose Reform UK in local elections.
May: Supported Turkish and Kurdish group Gik-Der demonstration at Downing Street.
June: Held LMHR gig.
July: Mobilised for Epping counter-protest. Leafletted five local stations. Mobilised approx 80 people for Epping demo.
August: Leafletted local tube and railway stations and mosques to mobilise for demonstrations at Thistle Barbican Hotel. Organised How do we stop Farage, Robinson and the Far right meeting. Held online meeting to build for Unity Demo in Cheshunt at the Marriott Hotel. Circulated Community statement signed by faith leaders, trade unionists, Labour and Green Party councillors and others. Held stalls, leafletted and fly-posted in Waltham Cross. Held LMHR gig.
September: Leafletted local stations for national demo against Tommy Robinson. Held emergency online meeting on how to stop the far right.
October: Campaigned to stop UKIP marching Tower Hamlets; spoke at Day-Mer meeting against the far right and rising racism; leafleted Spurs Women’s football march with Women Against the Far Right flyers, and held online meeting to elect delegates to go to the SUTR National AGM.
November: Held meeting for a Unity March to respond to the Far Right and Labour’s racist anti-refugee policies.
December: Held 50-strong mobilising meeting for 7 February Unity March. Joined don’t let the far right divide us at Christmas demo in Whitehall.
Islington
Image: Islington stop the far right 2nd August 2025
July: Built support for counter demo Epping.
August: Helped organise 800-strong counter demo at Thistle Hotel. Leafleted estates surrounding the hotel.
September: Built support for counter-demonstration against Robinson’s march. Organised solidarity picket with Chinese Women’s Football team following racial harassment. Held 100-strong solidarity picket outside Thistle hotel after an arson attempt.
October: Forty members distributed Women against Far Right leaflet at Arsenal Women’s game. Built support for keep Nazis out of Whitechapel.
November: Contributed to London Met University’s 60-strong meeting with 3 SUTR members on discussion panel. Held Islamophobia Awareness meeting at Islington Council. Addressed 80-strong Finsbury Park RMT AGM.
December: Held Care4Calais Coats & Shoes Appeal which delivered a large to Calais before Xmas. Organised second Women against Far Right leafleting of Arsenal women’s game. Held North London mobilising meeting for local Unity march 7 Feb and national Together demo. Joined counter protest against Put Christ into Christmas demo.
Newham
Supported anti-racism campaigns in Essex, and particularly Chelmsford with a high street stall, where we collected 59 sign-ups. Organised a 60-strong rally with the president of a large local mosque in Stratford following racist graffiti daubed on mosques in Newham and Waltham Forest. Helped campaign against Reform UK in by-elections on Canvey Island, Hainault, South Wickham and Wanstead.
Tower Hamlets
January: Invitation to speak at Poplar ward LP meeting.
February: Mobilised against Tommy Robinson in central London and Katie Hopkins performing in Shoreditch, with leafleting in Whitechapel, especially at East London Mosque and tube stations. Also held a “Here to Stay Here to Fight!” public meeting at the Women’s Inclusive Team premises with Chioma Amadi-Kamalu, Taiba Yassen Independent Councillor Rotherham, and Jamall Rajuddin, Bangladeshi Youth Movement 1978.
April: Joined protest against Welfare Cuts outside Rushanara Ali MP’s offices.
May: Attended and spoke at Altab Ali commemoration event in Altab Ali Park.
June: Mobilised for and joined the counter-protests in Epping to defend refugees and signed the Epping statement.
July: Mobilised for counter-protests against Pink Ladies and Far Right protests outside the Britannia Hotel, Isle of Dogs, starting 23rd July, going on into September. Contingents included local NEU, Tower Hamlets College UCU, Labour Party and local GPs.
September: Rejuvenation of Tower Hamlets SUTR activists committee. Mobilised to counter Robinson’s march by leafletting local workplaces, tube and DLR stations, and supermarkets.
October: Our counter-protest outnumbered and marginalised the Pink Ladies Protest outside the full council meeting in Whitechapel, when the council adopted a strong anti-racist policy in response to the anti-migrant protests at the Britannia Hotel. SUTR public meeting in a church on the Isle of Dogs closed down because of Far-Right disruption. There had been extensive leafleting for the meeting at DLR stations, around workplaces and the local ASDA. One leafleteer was attacked outside a local primary school. Attended anti-fascist rally at Rich Mix where Zarah Sultana, Ben Jamal, Apsana Begum, etc were speaking. Helped organise and mobilise for the 25 October “Unity” Demonstration in Whitechapel against Tenconi and UKIP.
November: Sent a contingent to the SUTR AGM followed by a successful LMHR gig at the George Tavern, Commercial Road that raised over £1000 for the refugee charity Roots.
December: Organised an online Zoom Public Meeting on “From Enoch Powell to Kier Starmer – Racism and Immigration”. Speakers Nadia Syed, Jim Nichol and Marchu Girma from Migration Exchange. Attended Counter-protest in Whitehall against Tommy Robinson hijacking Christianity for the Far Right. Our contingent included people from the Isle of Dogs. Held first meeting to mobilise against UKIP’s call to “Walk with Jesus” in Whitechapel on 31 January.
Waltham Forest
Responded to racist and far-right activity across the borough and neighbouring areas, while also working to grow and strengthen SUTR locally.
February: racist graffiti was daubed across a mosque, Islamic centre and school in Leyton. We responded immediately with messages of solidarity and offers of practical support.
March: campaigned in Leyton where local children and families created artwork expressing unity and solidarity, which we plan to develop into a wider community “unity project.”
July: alongside Harlow and Newham SUTR, we organised protests against Far Right groups targeting asylum seekers in Epping. These actions mobilised large numbers of local people, who leafletted transport hubs and markets. We also worked closely with Epping residents to build community support for asylum seekers.
Members of WF SUTR attended the meeting that launched Epping for Everyone and supported a community event at the Epping Quakers’ Church. We helped organise musicians from LMHR and children’s craft activities, where kids made boats and friendship bracelets carrying messages of welcome.
During Refugee Week in June, WF SUTR held two fundraisers for Care4Calais: a silent art auction supported by local artists and a music and poetry night, No One Is a Stranger, with LMHR at Waltham Forest Trades Hall. We also collected coats and bedding for asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel.
October: Held a 200-strong public meeting where many joined SUTR, and later mobilised for the protest in Whitechapel.
Throughout the year, we ran regular stalls across the borough outside shopping centres and tube/train stations. We also had a presence at June’s Unions East community event organised by WF Trades Council, and a year-end punk gig organised by Grapes of Wrath Records, who generously donated proceeds from tote bag sales to WF SUTR.
South-East London
The branch has helped to build for national counter demonstrations called by SUTR by postering and leafleting at various locations. In response to the Far Right targeting a hotel housing refugees in St Mary Cray in Orpington we contacted local trade unions, community groups and councillors to build a 70-100-strong counter protest, almost matching the Far Right.
The mobilisation also exposed one of their organisers, Anthony Styles, as a convicted paedophile. This action was followed with a tea and cake afternoon at a local community centre helping to grow the Bromley organising group chat to 48 members.
Following Robinson’s September march we organised a 150-strong rally/gig with LMHR in Lewisham, which raised £1,000 for Care4Calais. An SUTR group in Greenwich was launched following the rally.
South London
South London SUTR embraces a federation of local groups that have been able to draw on support for each other and build deep roots in each local area.
- Counter Protest activity, deflagging and street actions have focussed on the Merton/Sutton areas where the Far right has been particularly active.
- Counter demonstrations and unity rallies organised in Sutton and Carshalton outnumbered the Far Right and throughout the year there have been street stalls and leafleting actions.
- New SUTR Groups were launched in Kingston and Epsom and members from across South London have organised local group meet-ups and supplied stewards for national events.
- Don’t vote Reform initiatives in Herne Hill, Loughborough Junction, Sutton and Carshalton Clocktower wards mobilised members from across all areas and Wandsworth mobilised a substantial protest at Le Gothique Restaurant near Clapham Junction against a fundraising dinner for Reform UK.
- Efforts to hold Reform UK meetings in Purley and Croydon were halted by local objections and protests initiated by SUTR and supporters.
- Merton Campaigners lobbied the Council to get flags removed from the borough. In Southwark and Lambeth there has been a wide range of outreach work speaking at trade union meetings and community events, stalls at festivals and leafleting for local and national actions.
- South London has also been supporting actions in Rushmoor including a counter-protest to Rushmoor People First hotel demo in August in Aldershot which brought local people together.
- Mobilisation meetings for Stop Robinson protests are being organised starting in Lambeth on 15 Jan
List of some local group actions:
Sutton/Carshalton
April: Mass Rally and leafleting Sutton High Street Don’t Vote Reform.
March/April: Leafletting campaigns against Reform UK in Sutton by-election
May: Leafletting campaigns against Reform UK in Carshalton by-election
August: Supported Sutton Friends of Palestine March and counter-protest Sutton High street following attack on local venue.
September: Unity Rally Sutton High Street
October: Unity Rally Carshalton Wrythe Green following series of mass leafleting events.
November: SUTR stall outside Sutton Waterstones on Commonwealth History, and LMHR Next Generation event on St Helier estate.
Croydon
December: Grand Sapphire Hotel Reform UK dinner cancelled following campaign by SUTR and other community groups and threat of counter rally.
Croydon SUtR ended the year strongly, with two successful mobilisations that stopped the Far Right, first against Reform UK’s Christmas Party at a local hotel with Richard Tice and Lee Anderson, which was cancelled following protests; and second against the Horley Patriots, who had vowed to intimidate and harass refugees and asylum seekers at the Home Office building in Croydon. The latter involved 150 anti-racists and anti-fascists, with NEU banners, religious leaders, DPAC, Unite Community and many others. HP didn’t turn up. SUTR has grown as a result.
Wandsworth
November: Protest against Reform UK fundraiser event Le Gothique, Clapham Junction
Kingston
October: New local branch launched
Lambeth
April: leafleting campaigns in Herne Hill/ Loughborough Junction by elections.
December: Members of the NEU in Lambeth organised two collections of resources to support refugees and asylum seekers. One collection was for winter coats, which waw donated to Care4Calais. The other was of toiletries for the Roots organisation, which supports people living out in the scrubland of Dunkirk in France.
Southwark
Stalls at various high street/transport hub locations in the borough.
We were invited to speak as well as run a stall at the following local events:
- Joint SUTR/Unite stall in Southwark Town Hall; SHAPE (housing) demos
- Camberwell Festival; Southwark Law Centre AGM; Southwark Borough of Sanctuary annual event
- Southwark Refugee Communities celebration event; PCS South London meeting about racism in the workplace
- Theatre production about the Grunwick strike at Sands Film Studios; Southwark Trades Council meeting.
Other Southwark activities: Mass leafleting at many different locations for the counter-demos against TR; leafletting door-to-door at Loughborough Junction.
Rushmoor SUTR (Aldershot & Farnborough)
South London has continued to support Rushmoor SUTR where the Far Right have established a significant base. The most recent counter-protest against Rushmoor People First protesting outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Aldershot brought local people together to show solidarity to the asylum seekers. Building confidence to confront the Far Right has been and continues to be crucial as racists have targeted anti-racists, including a SUTR meeting held in a local church.
West London
August: HSUTR was formed following the plethora of English flags which appeared in the high street and the two gatherings of locals to protest against refugees being housed in the local hotels. Our initial response was to leaflet West Drayton high street using SUTR national leaflets. We faced some abuse from local right wingers. We then organised a collection of clothes and toys and managed to hand over a few bags to residents at the hotel but had to hastily leave following threats from the same racists.
We then organised a Unity gathering at Friends Meeting House in Uxbridge by leafleting Brunel University and local railway stations. We also got support from both Hillingdon and Ealing Trades councils, NEU and Unison as well as local MP John McDonell. Nearly 70 people attended, representing local communities and interfaith representatives.
HSUTR had a stall at a Your Party meeting in Southall (Jeremey Corbyn spoke) and gained more members. A key member of our group spoke at the Acton YP meeting (where Zarah Sultana was keynote speaker) to an audience of 100-plus.
With a week’s notice, we organised a counter demonstration to Nick Tenconi’s and his supporter’s protest at a local hotel. Support from SUTR members from across London, NEU and John McDonell, gave us confidence to stand firm despite being outnumbered and harassed.
Cambridgeshire
January: Held street stalls in St Ives, Huntingdon and Cambridge to campaign against Reform UK.
February: Mobilised for demonstration against Tommy Robinson and held a workshop to stop Reform UK. Organised a delegation from PCS, NEU and Unison, as well as students and other activists to the national demonstration against Tommy Robison, Held 30-strong workshop on the rise of the global Far Right, to which the Mayor spoke. Agreed to launch an open letter and build an election campaign.
March: Campaigned against Reform UK with stalls in Wisbech, Ely and Cambridge as well as on the University Campus. Set up an SUTR branch in Ely. Organised with UCU and CUSU a Week Against Racism and End Everyday Racism. Held AGM and strengthened committee.
April: Held street stalls in Ely, Huntingdon, March, Wisbech and Cambridge, and more than 70 people distributed nearly 20,000 over six county council wards across the five towns.
May: Worked with We Demand Change, the Green Party, trade unions and other campaign groups to stop the Far Right’s ‘Great British Strike’ from holding a rally in the Cambridge Market square.
June/July/August: maintained street presence and attended festivals and Pride events. in Cambridge, Ely and Peterborough. Held an online workshop on fighting fascism today and sent two cars to Epping to protest against the Far Right.
September/October: Started an eight-week war of attrition outside an asylum hotel in Peterborough against Peterborough Patriots. Worked with the Trades Council, local activists, Palestine activists, the Green Party, Labour, Your Party. Two good protests first demoralised and then finished off the Far Right. Hosted a public meeting on stopping Tommy Robinson and filled a coach from Cambridgeshire to the National mobilisation in London.
November/December: Took part in a 90-strong We Demand Change local summit and supported the Cambs Women Against the Far Right group to organise a counter mobilisation against the Pink Ladies in Huntingdon.
Harlow
Harlow SUTR jointly organised protests against the Far Right and Cheshunt and sent members to protests in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester. Held an 80-strong LMHR gig in Harlow, raising hundreds of pounds.
We organised a meeting of activists from Harlow, Cheshunt and Epping to oppose Robinson’s September march. Now have 100-plus group including Labour councillors, Green Party and Your Party members.
Brighton
Image: 600-strong Unity demo and rally in Brighton
January: Brighton protest at Trump’s inauguration, supported Justice for Jay vigil.
Feb/March: Held unity stall and march in solidarity with Iranian family targeted by racists. Held LMHR gig raising money for Care4Calais. Protested against racist Matt Goodwin in Lewes.
May: Campaigned to stop Reform UK in Shoreham, Newhaven, Burgess Hill, Seaford North, and two by-elections in Brighton. Helped expose racism of Reform UK in Brighton and Hove, forcing candidate off ballot paper. Campaigned against Reform UK in Bognor Regis, Eastbourne and Hassocks.
Protested racist Great British National Strike in Brighton and supported counter protests against Far Right in Horley, Crawley, Copthorne, Chichester and Southampton.
October: Showed solidarity with Muslim community in Peacehaven after mosque firebombed with 600-strong Unity Rally.
November: helped organise 250-strong Newhaven Unity rally, and supported New Union Flag initiative.
December: Raised £250 for Care4Calais through Santa Knows No Borders event, and held Brighton Women Against the Far Right meeting. Supported SUTR leafleting in Crowborough to say refugees are not to blame.
Eastbourne
- Ended the year by preventing UKIP’s Nick Tenconi from holding a meeting in his home town.
- Protested outside Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin’s meeting.
- Held first LMHR gig with 8 bands, poets and rappers, raising more than £500.
- Held Unity meeting in November with 45 people attending and 5 guest speakers.
- Leafletted against Reform UK in May council by-election
- Marched on 13 September against Tommy Robinson
- Removed 100s of flags, becoming renowned as Eastbourne ninjas.
- Leafleted in Crowborough.
- Attended the first National SUTR AGM
- Now establishing Youth and Women Against the Far Right groups.
Lewes
- Held regular stalls on Cliffe Bridge, giving an anti racist presence and beacon in town.
- Organised a 70-strong protest and rally against racist bigot and Reform UK supporter Matt Goodwin at January’s Lewes Speaker Festival.
- Mobilised for events organised by other local groups such as unity demos in Brighton, Newhaven and Eastbourne, and protested outside a meeting by David ‘So many damn blacks’ Starkey in Hassocks.
- Leafletted in Crowborough several times leafleting against an horrendous deluge of anti-refugee sentiment.
- Supported other SUTR groups in leafleting wards against Reform UK candidates in Newhaven and Brighton. Joined counter-demonstrations at racist hotel protests. Held a 200-strong Unity Rally and a 100-strong public meeting.
- Showed solidarity with the Peacehaven mosque after an arson attack, issuing a statement and gathering signatures and organising a fundraiser to help with the rebuild. Help remove racist graffiti and stickers.
- Held a LMHR gig, celebrating anti racism and raising money to sustain our campaigning work, and a Refugee myth busting quiz.
- Raised money for the Care4 Calais winter appeal and have collected winter clothes for the Gatwick Detainees Support Group and Crowborough Refugee Group.
Hastings and Bexhill
Image: Hastings sutr called a demo to protect mosque
February: Held public meeting at Hastings Mosque, attended by 60+ people.
June: Held 50-strong Migrant Workers Speak Out public meeting, addressed by local migrant workers. Elected new secretary and chair and broad-based committee.
August: Helped organise Hidden Beach Love Music Hate Racism Festival, attended by 2,000 people. Financed by large trade union donations.
September: Held joint vigil for Alan Kurdi Ten years on at the beach with Hastings Community of Sanctuary and Hastings & Rother Refugee Buddy project. Organised emergency 70-strong Stop the hate! Celebrate Diversity! Resist the far right! public meeting. Speakers included a migrant worker, the Mayor, Community of Sanctuary, Trans Rights activist, a representative from a local mosque, and NEU secretary, Leafleted a Reform UK public meeting in Bexhill. Established a deflagging team which removed dozens of flags from lampposts. Hastings remains flag-free. Distributed over several weeks 10,000 Refugees and migrants are not to blame! A5 leaflets door-to-door. Held street stalls in various locations.
October: Published Open Letter in response to antisemitic attack on the Manchester synagogue. Raised £485 in donations for Peacehaven Mosque, after the racist arson attack. Launched Women Against the Far Right with 50-strpng public meeting with local speakers.
November: Twenty members distributed 5,000 Keep Reform UK out of Hastings leaflets in the East Sussex County Council by-election in Ashdown & Conquest. Every door leafleted with 5,000 SUTR leaflets. Unfortunately, Reform UK won their first councillor in Hastings. Distributed SUTR’s Veterans and Refugees: united against war leaflet on Remembrance Sunday.
December: Held LMHR fund raising gig with local bands. 200 attended despite a raging gale. Organised 100-strpng Unity Rally in town centre. Speakers included a Kurdish refugee, WAFR activist, trade unionists, church and mosque representatives, Mayor, Independent and Green Party councillors, and a Trans activist. Support from local drummers’ band, Methodist Church street carol service and town centre management. Successful collection held for local food and toy bank.
Kent
Organised and mobilised for counter demonstrations to fascist marches in different parts of Kent almost every week from August up to 22 December, starting with Maidstone, where a tiny group of fascists were joined by a small delegation led by Nic Tenconi.
This was particularly memorable for Reform UK councillors joining them and taking a selfie with a member of the British Movement. For the most part we have managed to outnumber the fascists because local communities have mobilized against them.
The fascist organising centre is in Faversham, and the Faversham community have mobilized against them three times. We have also had strong support in Canterbury, Folkestone, Margate and Medway.
We finished the year on high with a 200-strong counter demonstration on a Monday evening in Margate against 35 fascists on a double-decker bus who were harassed the whole way back to their starting point.
Portsmouth
Image: Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth protest – outnumbering approximately 60 far right on Saturday 22nd November
Organised coaches to the national mobilisations to stop Tommy Robinson in February, July and September. Supported regular demos in Gosport called by No Detention, No Haslar, against plans to re-open an immigration detention centre.
In March we outnumbered a fascist demo called by Nick Tenconi, and campaigned to expose the lies fuelled by city councillor George Madgwick about a local block of flats being used as refugee housing. In June, we joined Portsmouth Pride to highlight how Far Right hate targets both migrants and LGBTQ people, especially trans people.
Madgwick returned, this time helped by GB News, Talk TV and the Sun back with a new campaign of misinformation, this time with the help of GB News, Talk TV and the Sun, leading to the first Far Right anti-refugee mobilisations outside a former hotel in Portsmouth, where people seeking asylum had been housed without issues for over 2.5 years.
A small SUTR counter-protest was attacked, with police using pepper spray to try to stop the violence. We returned in July to counter protest again, with more stewards and safety measures.
Thirty anti-racists opposed around 70 Far Right, including one wearing a White Vanguard t-shirt. We had 17 more counter-protests against the Far Right, which saw our numbers grow while the racists dwindled, culminating in the fascists’ ‘regional mobilisation’ in Portsmouth in November drawing just 60 from across the South, drowned out by 130 anti-racists including a full drum kit ,which helped us turn our counter-protest into a LMHR event.
Every week brought new people and ideas, with music, drumming, percussion, dancing, singing along with chanting. Along with the macarena, timewarp, and the conga! We also exposed nazi salutes on the Far Right demos twice, one by Nick Tenconi, the other by a local fascist, both of which got front-page coverage in the local paper.
Thirteen SUTR Portsmouth supporters joined the LMHR float at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
Our unity rallies featured many brilliant and moving poems by local people, so a group of activists worked hard to produce a 14-page booklet of anti-racist poetry, Under One Sky, which we are selling to raise funds for SUTR. By the end of the year, we’d already sold 250 booklets and raised £450.
MIDLANDS
Image: Women Against the Far Right organised a unity walk in Walsall – 140 people joined the show of unity on Sunday 16 November 2025
Coventry & Warwickshire
March: Countered Britain First demo in Nuneaton. 300 anti- racists attended including a coach from Warwick University.
May: Countered GB National Strike demo in Coventry City centre. Roughly 50 on each side.
August: Countered Far Right protest of 1,000 in Nuneaton organised by Homeland Party. Very dangerous exit due to police incompetence. Subsequently succeeded in isolating fascists from softer racists to the point where Homeland’s most recent protest in November had only 8 people attending.
November: Successful 100-strong LMHR gig with Roddy Radiation from the Specials and local bands.
Birmingham (including WAFR Birmingham and Black Country)
Image: Birmingham says stop Reform UK
Has worked closely with Women Against the Far Right (WAtFR) Birmingham & Black Country, focused on building regional solidarity and anti-racist networks, and holding regular meetings with other anti-racist groups to coordinate activity and share information. Public engagement has included information stalls at local events, raising awareness of Far Right activity and promoting anti-racist campaigns.
SUTR Birmingham has also countered Far Right attacks on hotels housing refugees. It launched WAtFR Midlands this year, bringing together women activists, speakers, and community members. A highlight was the Unity Rally in November at St Martin’s Square/Bullring, which brought together diverse groups to oppose racism, hate and misogyny.
Throughout the year, the branch built stronger connections across the Midlands and surrounding areas, sharing resources, intelligence, and strategies with allied groups.
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire
Has held monthly organising meetings throughout the year, always with a speaker on a campaigning issue/ report, usually for the first 30 minutes. Average attendance is about 25 people. The biggest meeting of 50 people was after a big demonstration at our local refugee hotel in October, with Naheela Ashraf speaking. We had a book launch in August with Geoff Brown on History ANL with 35 people.
Campaigned against Reform UK in Derbyshire County Council election in May, producing 40,000 leaflets and organising 60 people to distribute them.
Mobilised people to go on demonstrations: against Tommy Robinson in London in February and September, and to Epping; against the Great British Strike in Derby in June; in Sutton in Ashfield and against Lee Anderson in August; and against Tenconi in Nottingham and Sheffield.
We have also mobilised three times against Far Right protests outside Chesterfield Asylum Hotel, first outnumbering them 60 to 2, second being outnumbered 600/400, and finally in November outnumbering them 200 to 60.
We’ve attended regional summits in Sheffield and a Unity demo recently. Attended the national trade union conference and sent 6 delegates to the AGM, including 2 from the TUC and 2 from NEU.
Launched Women Against the Far Right, held workshops, made a beautiful banner, and produced a local letter with 250 signatories. With a small organising group, we have held stalls at local festivals. Chesterfield May Day we marched and had a stall. At Pride in July we raised £250 and got 70 new supporters. Also had stalls at Whitwell and Wirksworth festivals. Held a stall in November for the switching on of the Xmas Lights, 15 people involved. We regularly leaflet at the station, the mosques, and have stickered at the Football Club. We were invited into Chesterfield College Freshers fayre.
Have held three LMHR events, most recently on 30 November where we raised £1,100 to split between SUTR and Refugee Support Group. At Xmas our supporters delivered 110 Xmas gift bags to individual refugees and 15 Santa sacks to local refugee families.
Derby
Image: Derby SUTR counter demo 24th may
Every month Derby SUTR meets to plan activities. We are also part of Derby City of Sanctuary and Derby Holocaust Memorial Day Committee.
February: Organised coach to London Demo against Tommy Robinson.
March: Held stalls at International Women’s Day and Compassionate Derby. Members attended Birmingham protest against Farage.
May: Sent delegation to Chesterfield May Day.
June: Held stall at Derby Refugee Week flagship event.
September: Sent coach to Stop Far Right London Demo, held stall at Belper Ecofest, delivered NEU Rep Training to local district, and organised counter demos against Far Right at Long Eaton Hotel.
October: Joined counter demo and held community stall at Long Eaton, delivered NEU Rep Training for Catholic Academy chain, and organised book Launch for A People’s History of the ANL.
November: Held stall at Community play about Grunwick Dispute, members attended Mosque Open Day, delegates attended SUTR National AGM.
December: Launched Derby Women Against the Far Right, mobilised for Unity demo to counter ‘Flag Men of Derby’.
Lincolnshire
- Campaigned in City of Lincoln Council by-election in March against Reform UK. Distributed 1,000s of Don’t Vote Reform UK leaflets in Park Ward. Reform UK came 3rd.
- Organised a counter-protest against Reform UK at a Farage rally at Lincolnshire showground.
- Organised a counter-protest in Lincoln against a Reform UK march and rally attended by Richard Tice and Andrea Jenkyns.
- Organised a counter-protest against Great British National Strike in Lincoln.
- Sent a delegation to Newark to support Notts SUTR counter-protest against Patriotic Alternative.
- Sent delegation to Nottingham to support Notts SUTR counter-protest against Ukip and Nick Tenconi
- Sent a delegation to Hull to support Hull SUTR on counter-protest..
- Defended refugees at hotel in Skegness where Ukip, Tenconi and Unite The Right were active.
- Countered Unite the Right protest and showed solidarity with Lincoln Pride.
- Countered Unite the Right, Ukip and Nick Tenconi protest in Lincoln.
- Organised 12 deflagging sessions in Lincoln.
Nottingham
Nottingham & Notts SUTR Annual report lists more than 40 events it participated in during the year, from campaigning against Reform UK in local elections, responding to Far Right protests locally and nationally, and transphobic protests locally, supporting Pride events, and participating in events in support of asylum seekers and refugees.
The group also commissioned important research from Nottingham Trent University students about how to improve our use of social media and involve younger people.
Shropshire & Telford
Held town centre stalls and leafletted for refugee solidarity against Reform UK in the local May elections, distributing thousands of leaflets in selected Reform UK target wards, only one of which they won by 1 vote.
Joined counter-protests to Britain First’s national demo in Birmingham on 17 May. There have also been low-key Far Right protests in Shropshire, which have seen a significant response from counter protests from groups united with SUTR. Between 10-15 Far Right wannabes in Oswestry protesting outside HMOs in September were met by 60 counter protesters. Two weeks later weeks 2-4 racists faced around 20 SUTRs.
Far right protests at a couple of hotels housing asylum seekers were cancelled by organisers for a number of reasons, but particularly the threat of counter protests. We held unity events where we collected donations of fruit, clothes, toys and various other items for families at one hotel, and clothing and games equipment for the men housed in the other.
We also organised a coach as part of the Midlands co-ordinated transport to the national counter protest against Robinson’s march in London in September.
We have also supported neighbouring SUTR groups in the Black Country and South Staffs groups at counter-protests at hotels.
Walsall
In September we protested outside the Village Hotel in Walsall where Homeland was holding its annual conference. When the hotel realised what was happening unsuccessfully tried to close the event. It then refused to provide refreshments and the conference ended early.
The ‘Walk with the Women of Walsall’ event in November resulted in 15 local organisations joining the walk of 140 people through Walsall.
NORTH-EAST, YORKSHIRE & HUMBER
Image: A successful unity protest in Hull on Saturday 22 November
Hull
SUTR organised: leafleting against Reform UK during May Mayoral elections and regular counter demonstrations against Far Right marches and rallies in the Town Centre.
In November we held a 150-strong Unity Rally supported by local trade unions, PSC, Green Party, Your Party, and organisations working with migrant communities. We also held an LMHR gig with six local bands and DJs, attended by between 100-150 people.
We have recently set up an Instagram and Tik Tok page.
Kirklees
An SUTR event in Huddersfield early last year where Andrew Feinstein was the headline speaker attracted more than 70 people.
We have held regular street stalls in Huddersfield town centre, shared a coach with Bradford SUTR to take people to London for the counter demos against Robinson. Two new SUTR groups have grown out of Kirklees SUTR – Holmfirth and Marsden/Slawit
Since mid August KSUTR has been supporting Wakefield SUTR at the weekly counter demos against the Far Right at Cedar court hotel.
We have also held two LMHR gigs this year
Leeds and West Yorkshire
Since July we have regularly mobilised counter-protests against the Far Right protests at an asylum seeker hotel in the Seacroft area. We also mobilised a counter-demo to the Far Right in Leeds City Centre on 3 January this year in response to the Far Right calling a demonstration at relatively short notice.
We also organised a 3,000-strong anti-racism unity demonstration in October.
Students at Leeds University have been organising around Women Against the Far Right.
We have been working with the other West Yorkshire SUTR groups to coordinate support for events and started working with the Regional TUC on activities against the Far Right. We have also built and strengthened relationships with our local unions and other organisations and campaign groups.
North-East
For 20 consecutive weeks we have opposed the Far Right at a hotel in Newcastle. We have also organised: a 3,000-strong unity rally in Central Newcastle; held a 100-strong Stop Reform UK public meeting in Durham City with speakers including Mary Foy MP; and a ‘Together Against Trump’ rally in the centre of Newcastle on Trump’s inauguration.
We have also held stalls at the South Shields Mela/Durham Miners Gala, and demonstrated outside the first meeting of the Reform UK-dominated Durham County Council.
We have groups in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Newcastle and Gateshead, and a newly established one in South Shields.
Sheffield
Image: In Sheffield 1,000 opposed Nick Tenconi’s motley crew of less than 100
We sent a coach to oppose Tommy Robinson on 1 February, another to the We Demand Change summit in March, and a third to protest against the Far Right in Epping in July. Two more coaches were sent to oppose Robinson’s September march.
We have also organised: two protests against the Far Right in Rotherham; one outside the Holiday Inn in Sheffield; and one against the great British Strike. We have also supported two protests at the Sandpiper hotel in Dronfield.
Eighty seven people made advance bookings for a summit to build against Reform UK, and many more came on the day. We organised a campaign including stalls, leafletting and public meetings. Along with youngsters from Leeds and Sheffield, we did a rolling thunder protest at a Nigel Farage meeting.
Our AGM in May was addressed by the founder of the Asian Youth Movement, Mukhtar Darr. We elected a steering group of 20 members, now expanded to 30 in response to Robinson’s march. More than 100 people attended our emergency meeting on 21 September.
Our steering group includes trade unionists, representatives from Sheffield & District African & Caribbean Community Association, Yemeni Community Association, Sheffield anti-racist education group. Mums United, Labour, Greens, Your Party and LMHR. The Bamer Covid 19 group also supports it.
We provided gifts for 50 refugee women at hotels at Christmas.
In the summer we worked with SBC Theatre Company to organise a refugee trip of two coaches to the seaside. Up to 60 people attended an anti-racist workplace and communities event funded by regional TUC. We laid a wreath at the International Workers’ Memorial Day event.
One of the outcomes of our emergency meeting was to organise a local unity demo for 22 November with 65 organisations supporting. However, Nick Tenconi and UKIP called a march for 8 November.
In response we organised to protest at their assembly point despite the police imposing a s14 notice. On the day 1,000 locals marched through the police lines and Nick Tenconis’ motley crew of less than 100.
Wakefield
Far Right protests outside the Cedar Court Hotel have escalated, and we have mobilised consistently to oppose them. They initially pulled 350-400 but this has declined since to around 20-40. They have also started calling protests monthly in Wakefield City Centre which we have opposed each time, with numbers generally matching or outnumbering them, but with not enough to stop them. Around 150 attended a unity rally addressed by speakers including a local Labour MP, trade unionists and councillors.
Opposing the Far Right every week is not feasible, however, so we are selecting key dates to organise across West Yorkshire. Unfortunately, Wakefield has become a Far Right focus, drawing support from across the district and the county, although their numbers have been declining. There is a core of known fascists driving it. Hotel ‘auditors’ have become a significant pest at recent protests, and the local police are inept at controlling their harassment and vile behaviour.
We have been pressuring the local council to remove the flags, too, but with no success so far. We have removed some ourselves.
During the year, we significantly expanded the Wakefield group and set up an organising committee. We have involvement from Greens, YP, Labour (including a number of councillors), SWP and others.
York
One of the key national organisers of the flagging based in the city ensured York was heavily flagged. At first the council was reluctant to do anything but we circulated an online petition demanding the council act to take them down. We also organised stalls in the city centre and asked people to sign.
There was then a spike in racist graffiti, vandalism and physical attacks, including on students and school children. We began organising a unity demonstration for the 4 October to show that the majority of the city were anti-racist. We got the backing of the trades council and several union branches and on the day over 350 people turned up to hear speeches from the local MP, de-flaggers, trade union activists, Your Party and local councillors. The council speaker confirmed it would start taking the flags down.
The York SUTR WhatsApp group grew by 80 people as demonstrators queued at our stall to sign up. We now have 200 people on our WhatsApp. We also began to hold monthly organising meetings.
An active LMHR group is organising a punk gig in the city in February.
We hold regular stalls in different parts of the city, support other SUTR groups in Yorkshire, and have joined counter protests against the Far Right in Leeds and Wakefield.
We are now distributing 6,000 York SUTR leaflets in a ward where Reform UK is standing in a by-election on 15 January.
NORTH-WEST
Image: On Sunday 31 August, more than 300 anti-racists campaigners came out in solidarity to defend a hotel housing refugees. Anti-racists outnumbered approx 50 Far Right activists.
Bury
In Prestwich, part of Bury we got more than 40 people to our first public meeting. And in December we organised a collection for Care4Calais “Prestwich Solidarity winter coat collection for refugees”.
Furness
Local anti-racists have attended the Solidarity with South Lakes Islamic Centre (SLIC) events in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, in response to racist protests against the building of the Islamic Centre, organised by individuals who have connections with fascist groups such as Britain First, UKIP and others.
Members of anti-racist groups, faith groups, politicians, members of political parties (and of no party), refugee support groups, members from the local trades council, GMB, NASUWT, Cumbria NEU, NUJ, RMT, UCU, UNISON, Unite, USDAW and others have consistently turned out, from June through to November.
Manchester
Greater Manchester SUTR has pushed back the fascists, with counter protests outside hotels in Altrincham, Stockport, and Fallowfield. It organised: a counter protest against a Britain First demonstration in central Manchester; took a delegation on the train, as well as two coaches to London, to protest against Robinson; exposed known fascists at the centre of the anti-refugee protests; held two Unity Rallies, in Altrincham and in Stockport ; and leafletted Broadheath Ward in Altrincham against a Far Right candidate, who came fourth.
It also stablished a broader Greater Manchester SUTR steering committee at the AGM in October, with more union and wider political representation
There are now SUTR groups in Trafford, Stockport, Bury and Salford.
SUTR organised with Care4Calais winter collections for refugees in Altrincham, Fallowfield, Stretford, Prestwich, and Stockport, and at a union organised Palestine solidarity film screening.
It has also helped LMHR, with Gigs in Altrincham and Salford, as well as a Love Poetry Hate Racism event.
Merseyside
Image: Liverpool Women Against the Far Rght demo
Merseyside SUTR organised coach transport to London twice for national counter-protests. In March we participated in the SUTR North West regional summit in Manchester.
Alongside local people and other North West SUTR groups we fought hard against Reform UK in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election in May. We were disappointed that Reform won. However, it did so by only 6 votes. This shows it can be beaten.
That same month with LMHR we supported the Liverpool Rising Against Racism music, poetry and storytelling concert at St Georges Hall.
Over the summer we stood with local people in a Wirral town opposing the Far Right. From this work came Hoylake 4 All, a community group demonstrating welcome and solidarity to refugees living there.
In August, alongside local anti-fascists, we stopped UKIP from marching in Liverpool.
In October we joined the Southport counter-protest against a Far Right march.
Women Against the Far Right held its first action in Liverpool in November, attracting a lot of support.
Preston & South Ribble
February: Preston and Lancaster SUTR groups attended national SUTR demonstration in London. Held a public meeting in Catherine Beckett community centre with local speakers, faith leaders and activists
April: Supported the university’s LGBTQIA+ societies in a protest outside Preston bus station, following the Supreme Court’s gender ruling.
May: Held a counter-demo against The Great British National Strike in Preston city centre. Despite being outnumbered we held things together, gave out food and talked to people.
June: Ran a pop-up stall for World Refugee Day. Gathered outside County Hall with a communist student group, local councillors, Lancaster & Morecambe SUTR and local activists to protest Reform UK taking Lancashire County Council. Gathered again at County Hall with independent councillor Michael Lavalette to protest after learning Farage would be turning up. Held a WhatsApp vote to elect our roles – chair, secretary, treasurer
July: Supported Preston City of Sanctuary at its family fun day.
August: Held a stall at annual Glastonferret music festival. A Unite branch printed t-shirts for us for free, and we made our own merchandise to sell. Got in touch with LCC about Tickled Trout protest by local flag wavers. Tickled Trout houses Afghan families. Supported local women’s group in Preston on its Trust House Lancashire charity walk, raising funds for victims of domestic violence.
September: Supported Preston City of Sanctuary at an arts and crafts event for sanctuary seekers: visited Tickled Trout hotel and donated art supplies and outdoor games for child residents; organised leafleting sessions around Preston University and local Pride festival, held a stall at a Lowkey gig; displayed solidarity banners outside Tickled Trout; organised a solidarity demo with refugees on the Flag Market, with dancing, drumming and speeches; launched Preston Women Against the Far Right.
October: Held banner-making workshop in local arts space; organised Flag market counter-demo against anti-immigration flag wavers, supported by Blackburn drummers for Palestine, Lancaster and Morecambe SUTR – we outnumbered them this time; supported Southport demonstration.
November: Collected coats for Care4Calais and donated clothing to Red Cross; sent a delegate to national SUTR AGM.
We have held online meetings and regular group discussions throughout the year. We assisted: Lancaster & Morecambe SUTR in cleaning up England Cross graffiti in Dolphinholme; leafletted against Reform in Runcorn and Morecambe; attended and helped steward rallies against Nick Tenconi and Britain First in Manchester; held multiple stalls in a very supportive grassroots music venue, The Ferret.
SOUTH-WEST
Image: Between 500-600 mobilise in Bristol outnumbering 70 Far Right activists including Nick Tenconi on Saturday 15 November
Bournemouth
- Organised counter-demonstrations every Friday evening since early August, mobilising between 30 and 70 anti-racists.
- Mobilised more than 250 people to counter Far Right demo on the Saturday after the Robinson demo.
- Organised a vigil for the asylum seekers who drowned in the Channel.
Bristol
Mobilised on eight occasions against Far Right and fascist demonstrations, including the Great British Strike, the Bristol Patriotic Alternative and Tenconi’s UKIP. They have targeted refugees in hotels, but we have outnumbered them hugely on every occasion, mobilising between 400 and 700 people.
We work closely with other organisations, including the Greens, other political and refugee organisations, Palestine solidarity, trade unions, community groups. Bristol SUTR has organised mass postering and leafleting and stewarding that has involved a wide range of people.
May: Campaigned against Reform UK’s Arran Banks during election for Bristol Metro Mayor with street stalls, protests at hustings and leafleting at the Bristol Rovers football ground, for which we were attacked by him on Twitter. He lost.
September: Sent two coaches to the National Demo against Robinson, produced “Busting the myths on Immigration” leaflet to deploy alongside national ones on stalls and in areas where flags have been put up.
Produced Anti-Racist Bristol stickers for shops and businesses to show they were anti-racist.
Examples of our stalls:
- In Brentry to support family of a 9-year-old shot three times with an air rifle in what police described a racist attack.
- In Lockleaze in response to Nazi graffiti sprayed near a local school. On both occasions, there was substantial local support for our message and coverage in local media.
- Held meetings and stalls with CWU officials twice at the Main Sorting Office in Patchway, and with PCS and Unison members in South Gloucestershire and Bristol University.
- We have been collaborating with the SW TUC in the planning a Unity Demo.
- Launched “go fund me” appeal for refugee Xmas boxes, along with Care4Calais and Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN). It raised more than £2,000 and enabling the preparation of Xmas boxes for 150 people and an additional 30 for children., all distributed at BHN’s.
Dorset
- Helped organise LMHR gigs with school students in Dorchester and jointly with Steps youth club in Weymouth.
- Organised stalls and talks in Weymouth college.
- Organised coaches to counter Robinson’s demos.
- Supported We Demand Change.
- Protested at Reform UK launch meetings Weymouth and Swanage and leafleted against its candidate in Swanage by-election.
- Supported weekly counter-protests by BCP SUTR in Bournemouth since August.
Exeter
Key events:
- Nineteen consecutive weeks of outnumbering the Far Right at the Hampton by Hilton hotel near Exeter Airport.
- Two demonstrations of 1,000 and 1,500, the latter sponsored by 25 organisations including trade union branches.
- Answering a request from Exeter library for an event to counter racism. The subsequent event at the library which was supported by 10 organisations with stalls, live music, food and great attendance from the public.
- A fundraising event, Dance Against Racism, raising £1,200. Another is set for TOGETHER.
- A SUTR email contact list of 200
- A SUTR WhatsApp group with 145 members
- A Facebook page that has gone from 1.3k followers to 2.8k
- A 27-strong ‘People’s history of the ANL’ book launch with nine 9 sold.
Forest of Dean
Organised regular planning meetings, street stalls and a picket of a Reform UK meeting in the Forest of Dean.
Worked with Stroud Against Racism and others in the Gloucestershire Solidarity Network to organise counter-demonstrations against the Far Right at two hotels in Cheltenham and Gloucester, and at an attempted march by Patriots in Gloucester.
Have regularly outnumbered the Far Right by as much as ten to one.
Plymouth
Have sustained events and counter-protests against an increasing fascist-led protests.
SUTR has worked with local anti-racist groups, including the Racial Equality Council and the Plymouth trades council hold city-centre stalls, door-to-door leafleting and public meetings, and coordinating counter-demonstrations which have also been attended by Plymouth & Cornwall Antifa and the Green Party.
We sent delegations to national SUTR protests in February and October, and attended four counter-demonstrations in Exeter, Devon. Sent delegations to join counter-protests outside a refugee hotel in Exeter Airport each Saturday for a period of 10 weeks in the Autumn.
We have outnumbered by 3-1 all but one of the five Far Right demonstrations in the city, mobilising between 120-180. Unfortunately, a “Flag-Force Plymouth” protest held outside the Council building 1 September, proved an exception, when more than 200 ultra-nationalist protesters blockaded the public entrances and harassed around 20 members of the Plymouth trades council and SUTR. Known leaders from Britain First were identified.
We sent delegates to the SUTR AGM, and hold public meeting drawing between 20-40 people.
Swindon
Mobilised against the Far Right’s threat to march locally, and made contact with local mosques. Turned out a bigger number the previous year, and chased off the racists.
In September, following the Far Right’s call to “protest” at a hotel housing asylum seekers, we mobilised around 90, outnumbering their side.
Our counter-protest was louder and more vibrant. We also organised a paint-out of anti-Semitic, Islamophobic graffiti, which got good coverage from the local press and regional BBC.
We have organised several public leafletting sessions, and plan one following the racist harassment of a Muslim woman councillor and Palestine activist.
SCOTLAND
Image: 1,000 anti-racists joined the unity march in Falkirk on 6 December. Following the march, 600 people went on to defend refugees at the Cladhan Hotel where they outnumbered the far right 4-1.
SUTR Scotland
SUTR Scotland has a committee of activists from local groups across Scotland and is organising its AGM for January 2026. Some of what we have done:
SUTR activists have campaigned in a number of by-elections to persuade voters to not vote for Reform UK. We have used methods of mass propaganda in accordance with electoral commission regulations in the form of posters, door-to-door leafleting, as well as social media exposes showing the record of Reform UK candidates.
The Stop Reform UK summit in May brought together 250 anti-racists, trade unionists, campaigners, politicians, musicians and artists to launch the campaign.
Protests against Farage’s visit in Aberdeen and Hamilton in June received far-reaching and positive media coverage and stopped his attempt to rehabilitate his image as a respectable politician in Scottish politics. This mattered because he’s expected to head up Reform UK’s electoral campaign in 2026. While Reform UK’s popularity has risen, Farage remains an extremely unpopular figure among most people in Scotland, with 69 percent of those surveyed saying they have an unfavourable opinion of him, the second least popular leader after PM Keir Starmer.
The AYE WELCOME REFUGEES – STOP THE FAR-RIGHT national demonstration and music carnival in Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket on World Refugee Day in June put 2,000 on the streets as part of Refugee Festival Scotland.
SUTR and its allies have been at the heart of responding to Far Right mobilisations across Scotland. Where our method of building broad-based alliances with the mass organisations of the working class at its centre has been applied, we have been successful in pushing back the Far Right.
Even where counter-protests have not proved enough to stop the protests, as in Falkirk, Perth or Dundee, they have been key to ensuring the Far Right’s numbers have declined and that their appeal hasn’t broken through into the mainstream. The cultural element that Cabaret Against the Hate Speech and Love Music Hate Racism have brought to the protests, bringing people together with music, has been essential.
Counter-protests have also combined with our investigative work and social media exposes that have revealed links of organisers to Far Right and fascist groups. Last year this led to the Glasgow Cabbie not turning up to his own protest, which was then outnumbered 5,000 to 500; and in September, it led to John Watt being a no-show at his ‘unity rally’, which was outnumbered 2,000 to 500.
Women Against The Far-Right Scotland has infused the anti-racist movement with new forces and provided a political response to the Far Right’s claim that refugees and migrants pose a threat to women’s safety. The campaign held a sold-out mass launch in Glasgow, followed by another sold-out organising conference in Edinburgh, and has organised ‘women’s walls’ at anti-fascist counter-protests and big blocs of supporters at numerous marches, including Scotland Demands Better, the St Andrew’s day demo and the unity march and rally in Falkirk.
The response to the Education for All initiative that SUTR Scotland launched in December, backed by the EIS and all the other education unions, shows it’s also possible to organise a mass response to the threat of protests at schools and against ESOL.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen SUTR, alongside the trades council, Palestine activists, the social centre and other anti-racist groups has been involved in counter protesting the Far Right, which has targeted multiple hotels in the area. They have also targeted Palestine and trades council protests. However, Aberdeen SUTR has built in a number of ways over the last year.
- Two well-attended public meetings with speakers from across the movement.
- Supporting anti-racists in Perth, Inverness and Dundee.
- Organising delegations to attend the SUTR Scotland Stop Reform Summit in Glasgow and the Aye Welcome Refugees World Refugee Day demonstration in Glasgow.
- Multiple counter protests in the local area including in Peterhead and across Aberdeen.
- Exposé’s on Far Right activity in Aberdeen.
- A new SUTR Aberdeen committee and a newly formed WhatsApp group.
- We are planning on attending the SUTR Scotland AGM.
Aberdeenshire & Moray
A group of fascists called Peterhead United tried to make incursions into the small communities of Aberdeenshire as well as the town of Elgin in Moray. On each occasion, they were seen off by enthusiastic members of the local communities. For many in these local communities, it was their first ant- fascist protest, and they did themselves proud.
Dundee
Image: 450 rallied in Dundee city square as part of a day of action
Dundee SUTR have been involved in strategic counter demonstrations in collaboration with other groups against ‘Dundee Patriots’. DP have held 37 demonstrations in several locations; they have been boiled down to a much smaller number since their first protest, now often under double figures.
In addition:
- SUTR attended similar counter-demos in Perth, Falkirk, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.
- Outnumbered the Great British National Strike protest in May.
- Canvassed against Reform UK in Glenrothes in the May by-election.
- Opposed Farage’s visit to Scotland by disrupting his press conference in Aberdeen.
- Sent a delegation to the Stop Reform UK summit in Glasgow.
- Sent a delegation to St Andrews Day protest in Glasgow .
Falkirk
Falkirk For All officially formed in late August/early September following the first of many anti-immigration protests held outside the Hotel Cladhan.
What began as a response has grown into a community organisation built on solidarity, standing with refugees and people from all backgrounds, and working towards a community united against racism and hate in all its forms.
Here’s what we achieved in 2025:
- Nineteen counter-protests and one virtual solidarity counter-protest.
- One massive community march against racism.
- More than £3,500 raised for local charities.
- A petition with over 1,500 signatures.
- Community outreach with groups who share our values.
- Promotion of shop local information.
- Sharing facts and exposing lies spread by right-wing and anti-immigration groups.
- A growing community of 2,100 followers.
Glasgow
Image: anti-racist stop fascists in Glasgow
January: Organised protest against Trump’s inauguration.
February: Mobilised activists to travel to join the counter-protest against Robinson in London. Held public organising meeting on campaigning against Reform UK, following by three days of action in March campaigning with stalls, door-to-door leafleting and postering as well as LMHR buskers joining the stall.
March: Exposé on Reform UK councillor standing in Glasgow Southside. LMHR gig at Room2Live in Glasgow.
April: Supported the SUTR Renfrewshire ‘Don’t let the racists divide us!’ counter-protest and its exposé of the racist group organising in the Paisley. Sixty anti-racists outnumbered the racist group on the day,
May: Stalls in Clydebank opposing Reform UK and campaigning against its candidate standing in a by-election.
May: Stall at the Stop the War Scotland protest in Glasgow.
May: Joined activists across three days of action in Hamilton to campaign against Reform UK candidate.
May: Emergency protest in Glasgow calling for Safe Routes for Refugees.
May: Exposé of the Great British National Strike in Scotland flowed by 500 strong anti-fascist protest outnumbering the Far Right.
Following the GBNS protest, created a social media exposé of the Far Right and fascist figures seen on the demonstration.
May: 250 attended SUTR Scotland Stop Reform Summit with 8 sessions across the day, and launched the Stop Reform UK campaign in Scotland.
June: Supported activists in Hamilton protesting Farage’s visit. LMHR Glasgow organised a postering sub-crawl on Glasgow Subway to build for the Aye Welcome Refugees march and carnival.
June: Attended rally outside Capital House in Edinburgh to support the family of Sheku Bayoh during public inquiry.
Hosted SUTR Scotland ‘Aye Welcome Refugees’ march and We All Belong music carnival with LMHR. 2,000 people joined the march to mark world refugee day. 21 June .
Exposé on Nick Tenconi ahead of his planned march in Glasgow and sent this to the council. Also published council’s response advising it would allow Tenconi to march. Sent an open letter through social media.
On 26 July, 500 anti-racists prevented Tenconi from marching. Published Tenconi’s humiliation.
1st August: Supported activists in Edinburgh opposing the Far Right, with 200 anti-racists opposing 20 Far Right activists.
2 August: Organised bloc and stall on Govanhill Festival carnival and parade.
7 August: As part of the Govanhill Festival, organised a70-strpng public meeting.
9 August: Supported Perth Against Racism to defend a hotel housing refugees.
9 August : Supported a counter-protest called by Cabaret Against Hate to Posie Parker and her mates..
10 August :- LMHR stage at Govanhill Street Music Festival.
16 August: Supported Falkirk Trades Council and residents first counter protest against the far right targeting a hotel. Around 1,000 Far Right outnumbered 250 anti-racists.
23 August: Supported Perth Against Racism in countering the Far Right GBNP targeting a hotel, outnumber the racist 3-1.
30 August: Second protest in Falkirk to defend hotel alongside local anti-racists and the STUC. Racists and anti-racists had even numbers of approx 300
6 September: Supported SUTR Edinburgh countering the fascist ‘A force for good’, outnumbering it 4-1 .
7 September: Supported newly formed Falkirk For All group. Women’s wall highlighted Far Right’s lies. First time Far Right outnumbered in Falkirk.
13 September: Support Falkirk for All in another counter protest, and joined the Scottish delegation to oppose Robinson in London.
10 September: Exposed John Watt, organiser of Far Right “unity rally” in Glasgow had past convictions relating to domestic abuse.
20 September: Following Watt’s exposé, he failed to appear at the so called ‘unity rally’. Around 1,000 anti-racists mobilised and Women Against the Far Right Scotland organised speakers and led the protest in a massive victory against the Far Right.
21 September: Supported FFA, with Far Right numbers at their lowest (90) versus 200 anti-racists.
27 September: Joined the Scotland delegation to support Newcastle in opposing Tenconi. Also supported counter protests in Perth and Falkirk.
7 October: Supported formal 250-strong launch of Women Against the Far Right Scotland where the event sold out.
18 October: Attended the STUC Black Workers Conference in Clydebank. Joined counter protest in Perth organised by Perth Against Racism.
21 October: Southside SUTR and WAFRs organised a joint meeting.
25 October: Joined Scotland Demands Better STUC national protest.
29 October: Release statement on racist graffiti targeting Glasgow Central Mosque.
24 November: Released statement on Women Against the Far Right targeting a primary school providing ESOL classes.
26 November. Students in WAFR organise placard-making.
29 November: WAFR lead lively bloc on the STUC St Andrews Day demonstration.
30 November: Mass leafleting outside Kneecap gig ahead of the FFA and SUTR Scotland mass unity protest in Falkirk.
6 December: Organised full coach and travel by train to the Falkirk unity protest. Around 1,000 marched and 600 then went to the hotel where they outnumbered the Far Right 4-1.
14 December: Supported anti-racists and SUTR Aberdeen to counter the Far Right.
Highlands
The proposed housing of refugees in army barracks in Inverness has been the focus of Far Right and fascist demonstrations. The newly formed SUTR Highlands joined two counter-protests alongside Highlands Against Hate in Inverness at the end of 2025.
The first saw around 50 protestors alongside 150 bystanders faced with 100 anti-racists. But by the time of the second the Far Right could mobilise only 40 in total.
Perth
This Saturday the 10th of January will see the 10th hotel protest in Perth by the Perth’s Peaceful Protest group.
Perth Against Racism has organised counter-protests each time and has been supported by SUTR on many occasions. PPP’s numbers have been fairly consistent at 100, matched by PAR’s.
Their last protest saw PPP’s numbers drop to around 50, and it is now asking Aberdeen Against Illegal Immigration and Dundee protesters to join it in an attempt to bolster its support.
Women Against the Far Right Scotland
Image: Over 100 people joined the Women Against Far Right Scotland Organising meeting in Edinburgh on Saturday 22nd November
Women Against the Far Right Scotland is a growing, women-led movement challenging racism, fascism and the Far Right across Scotland and beyond.
Since launching in September, the campaign has mobilised thousands through open letters, mass meetings, and public actions, winning support from prominent women, trade union leaders, feminist organisations and community groups.
We have consistently been present at counter-protests outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk, standing against Far Right intimidation and in solidarity with refugees.
Key events included:
- Thousands signing the open letter launched in September.
- 250 joining the launch event in Glasgow on 7 October .
- Over 100 people joining the Edinburgh organising event.
- Leading blocs at the counter-protest to the Far Right ‘unity rally’ in Glasgow in September, the Scotland Demands Better National demonstration in Edinburgh in October, the St Andrews Day annual march in November, the Falkirk unity demonstration in December and supporting anti-racists in Aberdeen.
- We have a committee of 32 women from across Scotland and different trade unions, organisations and groups and elected 2 co-conveners.
- Our Instagram currently has 4,500 followers.
- Many plans for the year ahead! Watch this space!
WALES
Image: Anti-racists mobilise in Caerphilly on Saturday 18 October
Cardiff
Organised counter-demonstrations every Friday and Saturday for three months against fascists targeting a hotel housing Afghan families in Barry, pushing back their numbers from around 70-80 to seven. Held stalls and organised a fun day in the community. people in the local community.
Supported SUTR Valleys campaign against Reform UK in Caerphilly, distributing more than 8,000 leaflets and holding a mega campaign stall with more than 20 activists.
Swansea
- Supporting anti-racists in in Rhoose over several months, to oppose the Far Right until its numbers significantly dwindled.
- Campaigned against Reform UK with public workshops at and extensive leafleting in local by-elections.
- Organised anti-Far Right mobilisations at the Cenotaph and in Castle Square with Love Swansea Hate Racism, plus supported for actions in Cardiff, Caerphilly and Barry.
- Participated in national mobilisations, including protests against Robinson, and attendance at national meetings.
- Held a well-attended public meeting exploring the lessons of the Anti-Nazi League.
- Supported opposition to Far Right speakers at events in Swansea, including Katie Hopkins.
- Held stalls at Pride, Eid celebrations, at the University (in and outside) and at national and local trade union meetings and events.
- Helped build Chile Solidarity events, highlighting the real human cost of fascism.
- Held regular LMHR and Love Poetry Hate Racism events, engaging hundreds of young people.
- Attended and helped build Sounds of Solidarity at Sin City with stall and speaking from the stage.
- Opposed racism in football with ongoing discussions with Swansea City AFC (The Swans) about future anti-racist activity.
Stand Up to Racism Valleys
Helped to defeat Reform UK in the Caerphilly by-election, distributing between 7,000-8,000 leaflets, ran several stalls, and organised a demonstration that outnumbered the Far Right by 10:1.
We continued this work in Pontypridd and RCT, helping to defeat Reform UK in the Pontypridd by-election and opposing the Far Right in Coedely. Supported weekly pickets in Cardiff and the Vale that saw off Far Right protesters in Rhoose and Barry.
2025 WORK FROM THE MONITORING GROUP
Image: National press coverage in late July/early August of Homeland Party’s links to organising protests in Epping.
In 2025, the monitoring group has been central to tracking the development of the British fascist movement, frustrating its efforts to organise and exposing its attempts to hide behind ‘respectable’ fronts.
The group was key to turning the tide of fascist mobilisation in Epping in June, where anti-refugee protest organisers claimed to be ‘concerned locals’. The media, police and mainstream politicians echoed this framing, but the group was able to expose the central organisers as members of the neo-Nazi Homeland party.
Our revelations were covered widely in the national press, which helped to demoralise and splinter the Far Right Days later, they were massively outnumbered by SUTR supporters at a key demonstration on 27 July.
We’ve also exposed many of the Far Right live streamers and ‘migrant hunters’ who have made a living off promoting racist demonstrations across the country. In September, we revealed that prominent live streamer AJ Audits was in fact Anthony Styles, a convicted paedophile from Hemel Hempstead. Styles had broadcast from dozens of protests in Epping, London and elsewhere, claiming he wanted to ‘protect children’ from refugees.
Our monitoring of AY Audits – probably the most prominent ‘migrant hunter’ over the course of the year – fed into a Channel 4 exposé about his harassment of refugees and led to his YouTube channel being demonetised.
We’ve also raised hell when mainstream politicians have threatened to break the firewall surrounding fascist groups. In August, we published photos demonstrating that Tory shadow minister Robert Jenrick had attended a demonstration in Epping alongside former senior BNP official Eddy Butler.
The team’s bread-and-butter work isn’t the big revelations that make headlines however. It’s the everyday grind of mapping where Far Right mobilisation are planned, informing local SUTR groups and helping to expose the fascist groups behind ‘respectable’ local fronts. In 2025, we’ve identified hundreds of Far Right events – from banner drops and local flag campaigns to large demonstrations.
The group has helped SUTR stay one step ahead—sharing timely intelligence with local organisers, identifying key individuals and networks, and turning scattered incidents into a clear national picture of what’s being built. That work doesn’t just document the fascist movement; it helps stop it growing, protects targeted communities, and strengthens our ability to mobilise quickly and confidently wherever they try to organise next.