Anti-racists outnumber far right in York and Newcastle as London prepares for unity marches

SUTR weekly round up | Friday 6–Thursday 12 November 2026

Anti-racists heavily outnumbered far-right demonstrators in York and Newcastle on Saturday 7 November, while campaigners across London are preparing three unity marches for this weekend.

The protests were part of continuing efforts by Stand Up To Racism, trade unions, community organisations and local campaigners to challenge the far right. In Solihull, residents are organising against racist intimidation following attacks on the home of Indian students.

Far right outnumbered more than ten to one in York

Around 350 anti-racists gathered in St Helen’s Square, York, on Saturday 7 November, confronting a far-right demonstration that attracted only around 30 people.

The far right had advertised a mobilisation of 200 people under the slogan “Let The Flags Of Britain Be Flown”. But the anti-racist counter-demonstration, organised by SUTR and supported by trade unionists, Palestine campaigners, LGBT+ activists and students, occupied the square before the far right arrived.

The anti-racist protest began at midday, an hour before the flag demonstration.

SUTR said the flag mobilisation was an attempt to claim public space and send a message that ethnic minorities and migrants were unwelcome.

The anti-racist response brought together trade union groups, York Palestine Assembly and local residents determined to demonstrate the city’s opposition to racism.

The turnout was another setback for far-right activists attempting to establish a regular presence in York. In October, anti-fascists confronted Thomas Moffitt, who uses the name Young Bob, when he attempted to organise a Turning Point UK street stall promoting arguments around deportations and abortion. He eventually left under police escort.

Newcastle anti-racists confront far right again

More than 100 anti-racists opposed around 25 far-right demonstrators in Newcastle on Saturday 7 November.

SUTR activists were joined by Unison members and migrant workers. The far-right gathering reportedly included individuals wearing English Defence League badges.

Newcastle has seen sustained anti-racist mobilisation against demonstrations targeting accommodation used by asylum seekers. The New Bridge Hotel has been a particular focus of far-right activity, with local campaigners repeatedly organising counter-demonstrations.

The latest confrontation followed a Newcastle unity march on 24 October. More than 300 people joined that demonstration, organised by SUTR North East, Newcastle Unites, Women Against the Far Right and trade union activists.

Anti-racists again prevented the far right from being the dominant presence.

Trade unionists organise against racism at Bristol summit

Trade unionists from across the South West attended a Together/SUTR organising summit in Bristol on Saturday 7 November.

The event, held at The Station, brought together activists from PCS, Unite, the NEU and regional trades councils to discuss challenging racism in workplaces, colleges and communities.

Kevin Courtney, chair of the Together Alliance, led a workshop on structured conversations and challenging racist arguments. PCS and Care4Calais also ran a workshop on safe routes for refugees and turning trade union solidarity into practical action.

The summit was organised by Bristol SUTR and drew on the experience of the Together Alliance’s national mobilisations. It focused on developing local organisation rather than simply bringing people together for a single demonstration.

Solihull residents organise against racist intimidation

Residents in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, are building an anti-racist campaign following the intimidation of Indian students by masked vigilantes and repeated attacks on their accommodation.

The students were confronted in a local park on 12 October by a group associated with the Chelmsley Wood Patriots and Kingstanding Patriots. They were questioned about their identities and addresses, told to leave the area and followed home.

Windows at their accommodation were subsequently smashed on three consecutive nights. The students left the area.

The events prompted the formation of Solihull SUTR and a community statement, Chelmsley Wood Belongs to Everyone, signed by at least 300 residents and supporters.

Local churches, Green Party activists and trade unionists have become involved in the campaign.

In a statement published on 11 November, Solihull SUTR identified the links between Chelmsley Wood Patriots, Kingstanding Patriots and attempts to establish a local Patriot Platform organisation.

The group’s latest statement names Rachel Burbidge as a figure involved in bringing Kingstanding Patriots into Chelmsley Wood. SUTR says the group is attempting to build a more organised far-right presence in the area.

Among those supporting the anti-racist response are Solihull NEU, NASUWT, PCS Midlands, Birmingham TUC and Women Against The Far Right.

Local residents told Solihull SUTR that masked patrols were making people afraid to use their own streets. Church representatives have also spoken out against the intimidation.

The campaign is preparing a counter-demonstration for Sunday 15 November, when the far right has advertised another mobilisation.

Local coverage and organising: Birmingham Dispatch investigation and Solihull SUTR statement, 11 November.

Muslim organisations back London unity marches

Preparations are intensifying for three London unity marches on Saturday 14 November, involving trade unions, Palestine campaigners, Muslim organisations and local councillors.

In north London, Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park has displayed a banner encouraging people to join the march.

Toufik, a member of Muslim Welfare House, said that the growing influence of the far right, particularly its hostility towards Muslims and migrants, was making participation essential.

He described the fear experienced by Muslims, particularly women wearing headscarves, and argued that remaining silent would only allow racism to grow.

The involvement of Muslim Welfare House and the local mosques has strengthened the community basis of the north London mobilisation.

The march will begin at Wightman Road Mosque in Haringey and head towards the Finsbury Park mosques. It brings together campaigners from Haringey and Islington.

Meanwhile, the south London demonstration, organised by SUTR and Love Music Hate Racism, will begin in Brixton, linking opposition to the far right with demands for justice for Professor Jason Arday and the Windrush generation.

The west London unity demonstration will assemble in Hayes.

The three marches follow earlier local unity mobilisations across Britain and aim to build wider anti-racist networks involving communities, workplaces and local organisations.

Oxford students step up opposition to race-science speaker

Anti-racist campaigning has continued at Oxford University against the invitation to Nathan Cofnas to speak at Oriel College on 17 November.

By Tuesday 10 November, a petition opposing the event had attracted more than 29,000 signatures, according to SUTR.

The campaign is backed by students, trade unions, anti-racist organisations and MPs.

On 10 November, SUTR published research concerning antisemitic writings by Vittorio Peter Cuneo-Flood, a former Reform UK council candidate and president of the Oxford society organising the event.

The campaign has brought increasing pressure on Oxford University and Oriel College.

At an extraordinary meeting of Oxford’s Conference of Common Rooms on Wednesday 11 November, student representatives challenged the university’s assessment of the risks associated with the event.

Oriel’s provost, Lord Mendoza, confirmed that the talk would proceed, citing the college’s free-speech obligations. Student representatives raised concerns about safety and the possible effect on Black students and staff.

Anti-racists are continuing to organise a demonstration outside Oriel College on Tuesday 17 November at 5pm.