Stand up to Racism Counter Protest in Manchester
In response to a National Demonstration by Britain First 400 people attended our Stand up to Racism Unity event in Piccadilly Gardens.
After an introduction from Nahella Ashraf from Greater Manchester Stand up to Racism, we heard speeches from a wide range of Trade Unions, Labour Councillors and Community organisations. All the speakers opposed the fascist, racist and homophobic Britain First coming to our city to spread violence, division and hate.
Meanwhile 600 Britain First supporters were surrounded by Police and not allowed any interaction with the people of Manchester. It is shameful that Manchester City Council allowed them to have a Rally outside our Library, with the Library closed to local people.
We had a fantastic March through the centre of Manchester to confront the fascists at St Peter’s Square. All through their rally, we drowned out their speaker system with chants of “Refugees are Welcome Here “ & Manchester is Anti Fascist.
We were joined by Palestine drummers and Trans Rights activists who had been attending other protests in our city.
The growth of the Far Right is a threat to all progressive movements. It is being fuelled by the demonisation of refugees. We cannot allow them to attack those who are the most vulnerable, fleeing persecution and war. We can be proud of our militant, noisy and safe protest, but know we have to be better organised and bigger to win.
Ameen Hadi from Greater Manchester Stand up to Racism thanked everyone for attending and highlighted the need for us to oppose Tommy Robinson’s MAGA March in London on the 13th September.( note this 3 days before Trump’s visit to the UK).
Statement from NW Stand Up to Racism Steering Committee
List of Speakers:
Sam Wheeler, Piccadilly Councillor, Ibrahim, Palestinian Refugee Organisation Manchester City Council Jade Doswell , Fallowfield Councillor , Zahid Hussein -Levenshulme Councillor,
Ahmed Ali- Rusholme councillor
Sohaylla Wilson-chair of Manchester City Unite branch
Councillor, Robert Lizar – Jewish Socialist and member of Jewish Action for Palestine
Dave Toomer, NUJ Manchester & Salford
Julia Mwaluke, Migrant Worker & leading Unison activist.
Charlotte Smith, PCS
Lesley Lancelot, Manchester Unison Women’s Group
Laura Menendez , Trade Unionist for Trans Rights
Jenny Christopher, NEU
B, Manchester LGBT+
Alison Campbell, Salford City Unison
[8/4/25, 11:14:57 AM] Sheila McGregor: I think we need to discuss the far right mobilisations round the refugee hotels this Sunday too