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| PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release 27 July 2024 Over 5,000 marched through London to oppose fascist Tommy Robinson and his 15,000 racist, far right and Nazi supporters today CLICK FOR PICTURE GALLERY   Today, Saturday 27 July, over 5,000 anti racists and anti fascists took to the streets of London to oppose fascist Tommy Robinson and his 15,000 mobilisation of racists, far right and Nazi thugs in London. Newly re-elected MP for Islington North and anti racist campaigner Jeremy Corbyn roused the crowds ahead of the march from the rally. National Education Union (NEU) general secretary Daniel Kebede took to the stage from the front of the march as it arrived on Whitehall and celebrated the anti racist and anti fascist demonstrators. Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said: “Today thousands of anti racists and anti fascists drew a line in the sand. Every time Tommy Robinson brings racist and Nazi thugs onto the streets, we will be there to oppose them. “Stand Up to Racism united thousands, from trade unions, faith organisations and campaigns right across the movement, today to say no to racism and fascism. “Nazi Robinson and his supporters exposed the hatred and racism at the heart of his mobilisation today with far right slogans and Islamophobic chants, linking up with the likes of Laurence Fox. “The task is an urgent one now – the anti-racist majority we know exists in Britain needs to mobilise against Farage’s racism in parliament and beat back the fascist threat in the form of Tommy Robinson on the streets. “If we learn the lessons of the 1920s and 1930s, we must assert actively, loudly, and win an argument across society that we cannot allow fascists attempting to exploit the crisis and political polarisation to grow. We must smash the nucleus of the their organisation when they are still small. “That means building the broadest mass movement uniting all opposed to the rise of fascism to actively mobilise against them and turn the tide.” From a widely supported rally hearing from trade unions, campaigns, faith groups and politicians including Jeremy Corbyn and a number of Labour councillors, a bouyant and determined march of upwards of 5,000 made their way from Russell Square marching towards Trafalgar Square. Chants of “Nazi scum, off our streets”, “Whose streets? Our streets!”, “We are Black, white, Muslim and we’re Jews – and we’re gay… and we’re trans!” rang out from the crowd. Demonstrators bounced through the streets to the chorus, “We are the people… we won’t be silenced… stop the fascists now, now, now, now!” The demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism was supported by the TUC and 11 trade unions, as well as Peace & Justice Project, People’s Assembly, Muslim Association of Britain, Jewish Socialists Group, Stop the War Coalition, Disabled People Against Cuts, XR London, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, Love Music Hate Racism, Unite Against Fascism, Labour Outlook, Arise, GR8 (Gypsy Roma Traveller organisation), Homes For All and others. Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said: “Today thousands of anti-racists, trade unionists, Muslims, Jews and others mobilised against Robinson and rejected politics of hatred and division. Robinson claims he wants to unite the country when in reality in wants to divide us on race and religion. “The majority of people abhor Robinson and his supporters but his mobilisation of 15,000 means that the anti racist majority needs to make its voice heard the next time they take to the streets. “We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We must stand up to racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism and defeat the far right.” Speakers at the rallies across Russell Square and Whitehall included: Jeremy Corbyn MP, Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary, Andrew Feinstein, Martin Cavanagh, PCS president , Eddie Dempsey RMT assistant general secretary, Ruth Hayes, Islington Labour Councillor, Raghad Altikriti, Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Voices, Soraya Adejare Hackney Labour Councillor Rob Punton, Disabled People Against Cuts, Dr Louise Raw, author, historian & activist, Martin Abrams Lambeth Labour Councillor, Amit Malde, FBU Black Members Committee chair, Julia Mwaluke, Unison senior vice president, Sarah Krasewitz, Unite the union LGBT+ committee, Scottish TUC LGBT+ committee vice chair & co convenor of Trans Pride Scotland, David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialists Group, Amarjite Singh, Wales TUC (personal capacity), Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition, Harsev Bains, Indian Workers Association, Ben Jamal, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Kevin Courtney Stand Up To Racism national officer, Munroop Kaur, Sikhs Against the EDL, Alex Consadine, Stop The Hate & XR London, Virgil Bitu, GR8 Gypsy Roma Traveller organisation, Fiona Sim, Black Liberation Alliance, Kevin Courtney, Stand Up To Racism national officer & Sabby Dhalu & Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism co convenors. Stand Up To Racism organisers say “We built today’s demonstration stressing across the wider movement that the need to come together and build once again the kind of broad united movement that can drive back the threat as we have done before, is urgent. “This task is even more heightened by the breakthrough of racist Reform UK and Nigel Farage, the backdrop of the growth of fascists and the far right across Europe, and looming US election.” Fascist Tommy Robinson’s mobilisation assembled at the Royal Courts of Justice and marched along the Strand to Trafalgar Square, where they mustered a crowd of 15,000 on a deeply racist basis. One eyewitness reported, “Supporters of Tommy Robinson chanted Islamophobic slogans and exclaimed “We want our country back.” The people there were overwhelmingly white and mostly male. “It was a sea of St George flags and Union Jacks. And a number of Israeli flags and Donald-Trump-related banners also popped up. “The crowd booed announcements of migration statistics. “And when the police walked through the crowd, people booed and jostled with them, jeering them with chants of “You let your country down”. “People chanted vile Islamophobic abuse, such as ‘This is fucking England, you can stick Islam up your arse” and “Allah is a paedo.” “One supporter held a racist placard saying “Islam is violence”. Another wore a t-shirt with “#PureBlood” on it.“ Some from fascist Robinson’s rally – hundreds – attempted to get to the anti racist march but were blocked. Rory from Paisley, an anti fascist demonstrator caught up in it, said, “Fascist thugs took an opportunistic attempted by running down the Embankment to threaten police, shout at Stand Up To Racism marchers, and physically intimidate anti fascists on the protest.” The crowd of anti racists chanted back, refusing to be intimidated off the streets. The rally showed a wide spectrum of speakers and support that Stand Up To Racism organisers say is reflective of the broad movement that must be built upon to expose, oppose and break fascist Robinson and his attempt to once again rebrand himself and build a fascist street movement. Martin Cavanagh, PCS president said: “PCS are clear that the whole movement must mobilise to defeat the resurgence of the far right. We will not allow their racism to engulf our society.” Eddie Dempsey, RMT assistant general secretary: “The trade union and labour movement must stand against the voices of division and hate. Our unity is our strength.” Sarah Krasewitz, Unite LGBT+ committee, Scottish TUC LGBT+ committee vice chair & co convenor of Trans Pride Scotland, said: “Love and solidarity will always win over hate. Ruth Hayes, Islington Labour Councillor, said: “I see every day the terrible impact of Tory austerity on people’s lives. However, we will only build something better if we work together and do not allow our communities to be divided amongst ourselves. Together, we are stronger.” Amit Malde, FBU BEMM (black and ethnic minority members) national secretary, said: “We’re dangerously close to seeing a small band of far right agitators dominating political discourse so whilst they’re emboldened and taking to the streets, we need to stand up against them and show their rhetoric of hate will never overcome that of compassion and kindness.” Weyman Bennett, Stand Up to Racism co convenor, added: “Tommy Robinson has spent the last 20 years building racist organisations that have carried out racist and criminal attacks. He is attempting to do this again. He is a former Nazi BNP member, who has never changed and has consistently lied about and scpapegoated Muslims, while constantly trying to paint himself while inciting racial hatred that he has not been held accountable for. It is time we made that happen.” Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor added: “Tommy Robinson mobilised 15,000 through central London today. This follows the biggest electoral breakthrough by the far right Reform UK. “Robinson is echoing the racism and Islamophobia peddled by Farage and the Tory right. Our movement must unite and mobilise in our thousands against this threat. We must take a stand against those that incite violence, hatred, Islamophobia, antisemitism and racism. We are proud of all those who joined us today and call on many more to join the anti racist and anti fascist movement.” David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialists Group, said: “Tommy Robinson is an irritant, a chancer, and an opportunist but capable of dangerous mobilisations. “We need to respond to that, but also we need to build the maximum unity in action against all manifestations of racism, and build lasting anti-racist and anti-fascist majorities in our communities up and down the country: to make the country a hostile environment for those who thrive on and exploit misery by targeting minority communities.” Louise Raw, Women and Survivors Against Fascism, said: “Robinson is a fraud. A ‘patriot’ who lives in Spain. “A violent misogynist convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened to protect Robinson’s girlfriend FROM him. “A protector of paedophiles like his friend Richard Price, who pretends to speak for victims of CSA, whilst his team actually threaten and sexually exploit them. He has always been, & remains, nothing but a conman and dangerous narcissist”. Rob Punton, Disabled People Against Cuts, said: “Let us unite to remove the fascist from our streets, before they are strong enough to remove us from our streets.” From XR4Palestine, said: “From Palestine to Congo and Sudan, the same oppressive powers are at play. We stand against the exploitation of people and planet alike and fight for an anti-racist system where the likes of Tommy Robinson have no place.” Stand Up To Racism states: “Today fascist “Tommy Robinson” brought his far right, racist and Nazi thug supporters to “take over” central London. Robinson was a member of the Nazi British National Party and founded the English Defence League. “On 1 June the mobilisation was extremely Islamophobic and racist. Lawrence Fox echoed the Nazi National Front slogan “I want my country back”. Robinson’s supporters chanted “who the f*** is Allah” and other hateful slogans. Fascists and the far right in Britain have been fuelled by the virulent anti refugee and Islamophobic racism pushed by Sunak’s government. “Robinson managed to put bigger numbers on the streets today. We must build the biggest movement to unite against him as possible. This means unions, faith groups, campaigns and organisations, politicians and cultural figures—all opposed fascism—coming together. “The threat posed is heightened by a toxic climate of racism, in the wake of the breakthrough of Nigel Farage and his racist Reform UK party in the general election, which now boasts five MPs. Fascist Robinson endorsed Farage, and hard right Tory Suella Braverman, and called on his supporters to vote Reform UK. The general election was also of course immediately preceded by Sunak’s horrific racist shock detention raids after passing the Rwanda plan. “Sunak’s talk of “extremists” tearing Britain apart, “Islamist” threat and “mob rule” was a racist attempt to slur Muslims and all those actively asserting their right to protest against war and for a ceasefire. Tory MPs like Braverman, Truss (no longer!) and Sunak have emboldened Islamophobes like fascist Tommy Robinson. Antisemitic hate crimes are also increasing. The Tories stoked far right fears, Islamophobia, racism and division. We must continue to campaign for the demand for safe passage now and the policy for safe and legal routes for accessing the internationally recognised human right to seek asylum.“We must unite against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must vehemently defend the right to protest and want to see those hundreds of thousands who have been demonstrating in recent months over Palestine to unite with all those opposed to the fascist threat.”Internationally fascists and the far right have made frightening gains in the European elections, taking some 30 percent in France, Italy and Austria. “While anti racists and anti fascists dominated the streets in the week before the French election, and are right to celebrate the fascist Le Pen and her RN party’s failure to win the election, we must coninue to sound the alarm at the horror fascists and fhe far right in the ascendancy in France, where the fascist RN went from 89 seats to 143, and across Europe. Trump returning to the White House in November is a real prospect. “Robinson claimed his new film, an attempt to relaunch himself and his ‘new era’ movement, was all about “two tier” policing. But the reality is Robinson is pursuing the agenda he has for years—spreading racism, islamophobia and division and building the forces of fascism in Britain. He has to continually rebrand his agenda because the anti racist and anti fascist movement keeps breaking it, like we did when he was a member of the Nazi BNP, like we did when he was leading the English Defence League (EDL), like when he tried to mobilise on the football terraces, and like we did when he tried to stand as an MEP.”But we can’t take this for granted. It took mass mobilising, the active support of unions, politicians, cultural figures… and the mass numbers on the streets to counter his hate, expose his fascist, outnumber his thugs, and demoralise his movement, pulling away the softer layer of his support base from racist explanations by challenging racism.”It is imperative that we stand united against Robinson’s hatred and attempts to divide us. Join us in building that mass campaign united opposition” For further information & interviews please contact: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |
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| PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release 27 July 2024 Over 5,000 marched through London to oppose fascist Tommy Robinson and his 15,000 racist, far right and Nazi supporters today Today, Saturday 27 July, over 5,000 anti racists and anti fascists took to the streets of London to oppose fascist Tommy Robinson and his 15,000 mobilisation of racists, far right and Nazi thugs in London. Newly re-elected MP for Islington North and anti racist campaigner Jeremy Corbyn roused the crowds ahead of the march from the rally. National Education Union (NEU) general secretary Daniel Kebede took to the stage from the front of the march as it arrived on Whitehall and celebrated the anti racist and anti fascist demonstrators. Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said: “Today thousands of anti racists and anti fascists drew a line in the sand. Every time Tommy Robinson brings racist and Nazi thugs onto the streets, we will be there to oppose them. “Stand Up to Racism united thousands, from trade unions, faith organisations and campaigns right across the movement, today to say no to racism and fascism. “Nazi Robinson and his supporters exposed the hatred and racism at the heart of his mobilisation today with far right slogans and Islamophobic chants, linking up with the likes of Laurence Fox. “The task is an urgent one now – the anti-racist majority we know exists in Britain needs to mobilise against Farage’s racism in parliament and beat back the fascist threat in the form of Tommy Robinson on the streets. “If we learn the lessons of the 1920s and 1930s, we must assert actively, loudly, and win an argument across society that we cannot allow fascists attempting to exploit the crisis and political polarisation to grow. We must smash the nucleus of the their organisation when they are still small. “That means building the broadest mass movement uniting all opposed to the rise of fascism to actively mobilise against them and turn the tide.” From a widely supported rally hearing from trade unions, campaigns, faith groups and politicians including Jeremy Corbyn and a number of Labour councillors, a bouyant and determined march of upwards of 5,000 made their way from Russell Square marching towards Trafalgar Square. Chants of “Nazi scum, off our streets”, “Whose streets? Our streets!”, “We are Black, white, Muslim and we’re Jews – and we’re gay… and we’re trans!” rang out from the crowd. Demonstrators bounced through the streets to the chorus, “We are the people… we won’t be silenced… stop the fascists now, now, now, now!” The demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism was supported by the TUC and 11 trade unions, as well as Peace & Justice Project, People’s Assembly, Muslim Association of Britain, Jewish Socialists Group, Stop the War Coalition, Disabled People Against Cuts, XR London, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, Love Music Hate Racism, Unite Against Fascism, Labour Outlook, Arise, GR8 (Gypsy Roma Traveller organisation), Homes For All and others. Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said: “Today thousands of anti-racists, trade unionists, Muslims, Jews and others mobilised against Robinson and rejected politics of hatred and division. Robinson claims he wants to unite the country when in reality in wants to divide us on race and religion. “The majority of people abhor Robinson and his supporters but his mobilisation of 15,000 means that the anti racist majority needs to make its voice heard the next time they take to the streets. “We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We must stand up to racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism and defeat the far right.” Speakers at the rallies across Russell Square and Whitehall included: Jeremy Corbyn MP, Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary, Andrew Feinstein, Martin Cavanagh, PCS president , Eddie Dempsey RMT assistant general secretary, Ruth Hayes, Islington Labour Councillor, Raghad Altikriti, Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Voices, Soraya Adejare Hackney Labour Councillor Rob Punton, Disabled People Against Cuts, Dr Louise Raw, author, historian & activist, Martin Abrams Lambeth Labour Councillor, Amit Malde, FBU Black Members Committee chair, Julia Mwaluke, Unison senior vice president, Sarah Krasewitz, Unite the union LGBT+ committee, Scottish TUC LGBT+ committee vice chair & co convenor of Trans Pride Scotland, David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialists Group, Amarjite Singh, Wales TUC (personal capacity), Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition, Harsev Bains, Indian Workers Association, Ben Jamal, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Kevin Courtney Stand Up To Racism national officer, Munroop Kaur, Sikhs Against the EDL, Alex Consadine, Stop The Hate & XR London, Virgil Bitu, GR8 Gypsy Roma Traveller organisation, Fiona Sim, Black Liberation Alliance, Kevin Courtney, Stand Up To Racism national officer & Sabby Dhalu & Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism co convenors. Stand Up To Racism organisers say “We built today’s demonstration stressing across the wider movement that the need to come together and build once again the kind of broad united movement that can drive back the threat as we have done before, is urgent. “This task is even more heightened by the breakthrough of racist Reform UK and Nigel Farage, the backdrop of the growth of fascists and the far right across Europe, and looming US election.” Fascist Tommy Robinson’s mobilisation assembled at the Royal Courts of Justice and marched along the Strand to Trafalgar Square, where they mustered a crowd of 15,000 on a deeply racist basis. One eyewitness reported, “Supporters of Tommy Robinson chanted Islamophobic slogans and exclaimed “We want our country back.” The people there were overwhelmingly white and mostly male. “It was a sea of St George flags and Union Jacks. And a number of Israeli flags and Donald-Trump-related banners also popped up. “The crowd booed announcements of migration statistics. “And when the police walked through the crowd, people booed and jostled with them, jeering them with chants of “You let your country down”. “People chanted vile Islamophobic abuse, such as ‘This is fucking England, you can stick Islam up your arse” and “Allah is a paedo.” “One supporter held a racist placard saying “Islam is violence”. Another wore a t-shirt with “#PureBlood” on it.“ Some from fascist Robinson’s rally – hundreds – attempted to get to the anti racist march but were blocked. Rory from Paisley, an anti fascist demonstrator caught up in it, said, “Fascist thugs took an opportunistic attempted by running down the Embankment to threaten police, shout at Stand Up To Racism marchers, and physically intimidate anti fascists on the protest.” The crowd of anti racists chanted back, refusing to be intimidated off the streets. The rally showed a wide spectrum of speakers and support that Stand Up To Racism organisers say is reflective of the broad movement that must be built upon to expose, oppose and break fascist Robinson and his attempt to once again rebrand himself and build a fascist street movement. Martin Cavanagh, PCS president said: “PCS are clear that the whole movement must mobilise to defeat the resurgence of the far right. We will not allow their racism to engulf our society.” Eddie Dempsey, RMT assistant general secretary: “The trade union and labour movement must stand against the voices of division and hate. Our unity is our strength.” Sarah Krasewitz, Unite LGBT+ committee, Scottish TUC LGBT+ committee vice chair & co convenor of Trans Pride Scotland, said: “Love and solidarity will always win over hate. Ruth Hayes, Islington Labour Councillor, said: “I see every day the terrible impact of Tory austerity on people’s lives. However, we will only build something better if we work together and do not allow our communities to be divided amongst ourselves. Together, we are stronger.” Amit Malde, FBU BEMM (black and ethnic minority members) national secretary, said: “We’re dangerously close to seeing a small band of far right agitators dominating political discourse so whilst they’re emboldened and taking to the streets, we need to stand up against them and show their rhetoric of hate will never overcome that of compassion and kindness.” Weyman Bennett, Stand Up to Racism co convenor, added: “Tommy Robinson has spent the last 20 years building racist organisations that have carried out racist and criminal attacks. He is attempting to do this again. He is a former Nazi BNP member, who has never changed and has consistently lied about and scpapegoated Muslims, while constantly trying to paint himself while inciting racial hatred that he has not been held accountable for. It is time we made that happen.” Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor added: “Tommy Robinson mobilised 15,000 through central London today. This follows the biggest electoral breakthrough by the far right Reform UK. “Robinson is echoing the racism and Islamophobia peddled by Farage and the Tory right. Our movement must unite and mobilise in our thousands against this threat. We must take a stand against those that incite violence, hatred, Islamophobia, antisemitism and racism. We are proud of all those who joined us today and call on many more to join the anti racist and anti fascist movement.” David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialists Group, said: “Tommy Robinson is an irritant, a chancer, and an opportunist but capable of dangerous mobilisations. “We need to respond to that, but also we need to build the maximum unity in action against all manifestations of racism, and build lasting anti-racist and anti-fascist majorities in our communities up and down the country: to make the country a hostile environment for those who thrive on and exploit misery by targeting minority communities.” Louise Raw, Women and Survivors Against Fascism, said: “Robinson is a fraud. A ‘patriot’ who lives in Spain. “A violent misogynist convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened to protect Robinson’s girlfriend FROM him. “A protector of paedophiles like his friend Richard Price, who pretends to speak for victims of CSA, whilst his team actually threaten and sexually exploit them. He has always been, & remains, nothing but a conman and dangerous narcissist”. Rob Punton, Disabled People Against Cuts, said: “Let us unite to remove the fascist from our streets, before they are strong enough to remove us from our streets.” From XR4Palestine, said: “From Palestine to Congo and Sudan, the same oppressive powers are at play. We stand against the exploitation of people and planet alike and fight for an anti-racist system where the likes of Tommy Robinson have no place.” Stand Up To Racism states: “Today fascist “Tommy Robinson” brought his far right, racist and Nazi thug supporters to “take over” central London. Robinson was a member of the Nazi British National Party and founded the English Defence League. “On 1 June the mobilisation was extremely Islamophobic and racist. Lawrence Fox echoed the Nazi National Front slogan “I want my country back”. Robinson’s supporters chanted “who the f*** is Allah” and other hateful slogans. Fascists and the far right in Britain have been fuelled by the virulent anti refugee and Islamophobic racism pushed by Sunak’s government. “Robinson managed to put bigger numbers on the streets today. We must build the biggest movement to unite against him as possible. This means unions, faith groups, campaigns and organisations, politicians and cultural figures—all opposed fascism—coming together. “The threat posed is heightened by a toxic climate of racism, in the wake of the breakthrough of Nigel Farage and his racist Reform UK party in the general election, which now boasts five MPs. Fascist Robinson endorsed Farage, and hard right Tory Suella Braverman, and called on his supporters to vote Reform UK. The general election was also of course immediately preceded by Sunak’s horrific racist shock detention raids after passing the Rwanda plan. “Sunak’s talk of “extremists” tearing Britain apart, “Islamist” threat and “mob rule” was a racist attempt to slur Muslims and all those actively asserting their right to protest against war and for a ceasefire. Tory MPs like Braverman, Truss (no longer!) and Sunak have emboldened Islamophobes like fascist Tommy Robinson. Antisemitic hate crimes are also increasing. The Tories stoked far right fears, Islamophobia, racism and division. We must continue to campaign for the demand for safe passage now and the policy for safe and legal routes for accessing the internationally recognised human right to seek asylum.“We must unite against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must vehemently defend the right to protest and want to see those hundreds of thousands who have been demonstrating in recent months over Palestine to unite with all those opposed to the fascist threat.”Internationally fascists and the far right have made frightening gains in the European elections, taking some 30 percent in France, Italy and Austria. “While anti racists and anti fascists dominated the streets in the week before the French election, and are right to celebrate the fascist Le Pen and her RN party’s failure to win the election, we must coninue to sound the alarm at the horror fascists and fhe far right in the ascendancy in France, where the fascist RN went from 89 seats to 143, and across Europe. Trump returning to the White House in November is a real prospect. “Robinson claimed his new film, an attempt to relaunch himself and his ‘new era’ movement, was all about “two tier” policing. But the reality is Robinson is pursuing the agenda he has for years—spreading racism, islamophobia and division and building the forces of fascism in Britain. He has to continually rebrand his agenda because the anti racist and anti fascist movement keeps breaking it, like we did when he was a member of the Nazi BNP, like we did when he was leading the English Defence League (EDL), like when he tried to mobilise on the football terraces, and like we did when he tried to stand as an MEP.”But we can’t take this for granted. It took mass mobilising, the active support of unions, politicians, cultural figures… and the mass numbers on the streets to counter his hate, expose his fascist, outnumber his thugs, and demoralise his movement, pulling away the softer layer of his support base from racist explanations by challenging racism.”It is imperative that we stand united against Robinson’s hatred and attempts to divide us. Join us in building that mass campaign united opposition” For further information & interviews please contact: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |
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| PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release 27 July 2024 Over 5,000 marched through London to oppose fascist Tommy Robinson and his 15,000 racist, far right and Nazi supporters today Today, Saturday 27 July, over 5,000 anti racists and anti fascists took to the streets of London to oppose fascist Tommy Robinson and his 15,000 mobilisation of racists, far right and Nazi thugs in London. Newly re-elected MP for Islington North and anti racist campaigner Jeremy Corbyn roused the crowds ahead of the march from the rally. National Education Union (NEU) general secretary Daniel Kebede took to the stage from the front of the march as it arrived on Whitehall and celebrated the anti racist and anti fascist demonstrators. Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said: “Today thousands of anti racists and anti fascists drew a line in the sand. Every time Tommy Robinson brings racist and Nazi thugs onto the streets, we will be there to oppose them. “Stand Up to Racism united thousands, from trade unions, faith organisations and campaigns right across the movement, today to say no to racism and fascism. “Nazi Robinson and his supporters exposed the hatred and racism at the heart of his mobilisation today with far right slogans and Islamophobic chants, linking up with the likes of Laurence Fox. “The task is an urgent one now – the anti-racist majority we know exists in Britain needs to mobilise against Farage’s racism in parliament and beat back the fascist threat in the form of Tommy Robinson on the streets. “If we learn the lessons of the 1920s and 1930s, we must assert actively, loudly, and win an argument across society that we cannot allow fascists attempting to exploit the crisis and political polarisation to grow. We must smash the nucleus of the their organisation when they are still small. “That means building the broadest mass movement uniting all opposed to the rise of fascism to actively mobilise against them and turn the tide.” From a widely supported rally hearing from trade unions, campaigns, faith groups and politicians including Jeremy Corbyn and a number of Labour councillors, a bouyant and determined march of upwards of 5,000 made their way from Russell Square marching towards Trafalgar Square. Chants of “Nazi scum, off our streets”, “Whose streets? Our streets!”, “We are Black, white, Muslim and we’re Jews – and we’re gay… and we’re trans!” rang out from the crowd. Demonstrators bounced through the streets to the chorus, “We are the people… we won’t be silenced… stop the fascists now, now, now, now!” The demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism was supported by the TUC and 11 trade unions, as well as Peace & Justice Project, People’s Assembly, Muslim Association of Britain, Jewish Socialists Group, Stop the War Coalition, Disabled People Against Cuts, XR London, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, Love Music Hate Racism, Unite Against Fascism, Labour Outlook, Arise, GR8 (Gypsy Roma Traveller organisation), Homes For All and others. Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said: “Today thousands of anti-racists, trade unionists, Muslims, Jews and others mobilised against Robinson and rejected politics of hatred and division. Robinson claims he wants to unite the country when in reality in wants to divide us on race and religion. “The majority of people abhor Robinson and his supporters but his mobilisation of 15,000 means that the anti racist majority needs to make its voice heard the next time they take to the streets. “We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We must stand up to racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism and defeat the far right.” Speakers at the rallies across Russell Square and Whitehall included: Jeremy Corbyn MP, Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary, Andrew Feinstein, Martin Cavanagh, PCS president , Eddie Dempsey RMT assistant general secretary, Ruth Hayes, Islington Labour Councillor, Raghad Altikriti, Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Voices, Soraya Adejare Hackney Labour Councillor Rob Punton, Disabled People Against Cuts, Dr Louise Raw, author, historian & activist, Martin Abrams Lambeth Labour Councillor, Amit Malde, FBU Black Members Committee chair, Julia Mwaluke, Unison senior vice president, Sarah Krasewitz, Unite the union LGBT+ committee, Scottish TUC LGBT+ committee vice chair & co convenor of Trans Pride Scotland, David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialists Group, Amarjite Singh, Wales TUC (personal capacity), Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition, Harsev Bains, Indian Workers Association, Ben Jamal, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Kevin Courtney Stand Up To Racism national officer, Munroop Kaur, Sikhs Against the EDL, Alex Consadine, Stop The Hate & XR London, Virgil Bitu, GR8 Gypsy Roma Traveller organisation, Fiona Sim, Black Liberation Alliance, Kevin Courtney, Stand Up To Racism national officer & Sabby Dhalu & Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism co convenors. Stand Up To Racism organisers say “We built today’s demonstration stressing across the wider movement that the need to come together and build once again the kind of broad united movement that can drive back the threat as we have done before, is urgent. “This task is even more heightened by the breakthrough of racist Reform UK and Nigel Farage, the backdrop of the growth of fascists and the far right across Europe, and looming US election.” Fascist Tommy Robinson’s mobilisation assembled at the Royal Courts of Justice and marched along the Strand to Trafalgar Square, where they mustered a crowd of 15,000 on a deeply racist basis. One eyewitness reported, “Supporters of Tommy Robinson chanted Islamophobic slogans and exclaimed “We want our country back.” The people there were overwhelmingly white and mostly male. “It was a sea of St George flags and Union Jacks. And a number of Israeli flags and Donald-Trump-related banners also popped up. “The crowd booed announcements of migration statistics. “And when the police walked through the crowd, people booed and jostled with them, jeering them with chants of “You let your country down”. “People chanted vile Islamophobic abuse, such as ‘This is fucking England, you can stick Islam up your arse” and “Allah is a paedo.” “One supporter held a racist placard saying “Islam is violence”. Another wore a t-shirt with “#PureBlood” on it.“ Some from fascist Robinson’s rally – hundreds – attempted to get to the anti racist march but were blocked. Rory from Paisley, an anti fascist demonstrator caught up in it, said, “Fascist thugs took an opportunistic attempted by running down the Embankment to threaten police, shout at Stand Up To Racism marchers, and physically intimidate anti fascists on the protest.” The crowd of anti racists chanted back, refusing to be intimidated off the streets. The rally showed a wide spectrum of speakers and support that Stand Up To Racism organisers say is reflective of the broad movement that must be built upon to expose, oppose and break fascist Robinson and his attempt to once again rebrand himself and build a fascist street movement. Martin Cavanagh, PCS president said: “PCS are clear that the whole movement must mobilise to defeat the resurgence of the far right. We will not allow their racism to engulf our society.” Eddie Dempsey, RMT assistant general secretary: “The trade union and labour movement must stand against the voices of division and hate. Our unity is our strength.” Sarah Krasewitz, Unite LGBT+ committee, Scottish TUC LGBT+ committee vice chair & co convenor of Trans Pride Scotland, said: “Love and solidarity will always win over hate. Ruth Hayes, Islington Labour Councillor, said: “I see every day the terrible impact of Tory austerity on people’s lives. However, we will only build something better if we work together and do not allow our communities to be divided amongst ourselves. Together, we are stronger.” Amit Malde, FBU BEMM (black and ethnic minority members) national secretary, said: “We’re dangerously close to seeing a small band of far right agitators dominating political discourse so whilst they’re emboldened and taking to the streets, we need to stand up against them and show their rhetoric of hate will never overcome that of compassion and kindness.” Weyman Bennett, Stand Up to Racism co convenor, added: “Tommy Robinson has spent the last 20 years building racist organisations that have carried out racist and criminal attacks. He is attempting to do this again. He is a former Nazi BNP member, who has never changed and has consistently lied about and scpapegoated Muslims, while constantly trying to paint himself while inciting racial hatred that he has not been held accountable for. It is time we made that happen.” Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor added: “Tommy Robinson mobilised 15,000 through central London today. This follows the biggest electoral breakthrough by the far right Reform UK. “Robinson is echoing the racism and Islamophobia peddled by Farage and the Tory right. Our movement must unite and mobilise in our thousands against this threat. We must take a stand against those that incite violence, hatred, Islamophobia, antisemitism and racism. We are proud of all those who joined us today and call on many more to join the anti racist and anti fascist movement.” David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialists Group, said: “Tommy Robinson is an irritant, a chancer, and an opportunist but capable of dangerous mobilisations. “We need to respond to that, but also we need to build the maximum unity in action against all manifestations of racism, and build lasting anti-racist and anti-fascist majorities in our communities up and down the country: to make the country a hostile environment for those who thrive on and exploit misery by targeting minority communities.” Louise Raw, Women and Survivors Against Fascism, said: “Robinson is a fraud. A ‘patriot’ who lives in Spain. “A violent misogynist convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened to protect Robinson’s girlfriend FROM him. “A protector of paedophiles like his friend Richard Price, who pretends to speak for victims of CSA, whilst his team actually threaten and sexually exploit them. He has always been, & remains, nothing but a conman and dangerous narcissist”. Rob Punton, Disabled People Against Cuts, said: “Let us unite to remove the fascist from our streets, before they are strong enough to remove us from our streets.” From XR4Palestine, said: “From Palestine to Congo and Sudan, the same oppressive powers are at play. We stand against the exploitation of people and planet alike and fight for an anti-racist system where the likes of Tommy Robinson have no place.” Stand Up To Racism states: “Today fascist “Tommy Robinson” brought his far right, racist and Nazi thug supporters to “take over” central London. Robinson was a member of the Nazi British National Party and founded the English Defence League. “On 1 June the mobilisation was extremely Islamophobic and racist. Lawrence Fox echoed the Nazi National Front slogan “I want my country back”. Robinson’s supporters chanted “who the f*** is Allah” and other hateful slogans. Fascists and the far right in Britain have been fuelled by the virulent anti refugee and Islamophobic racism pushed by Sunak’s government. “Robinson managed to put bigger numbers on the streets today. We must build the biggest movement to unite against him as possible. This means unions, faith groups, campaigns and organisations, politicians and cultural figures—all opposed fascism—coming together. “The threat posed is heightened by a toxic climate of racism, in the wake of the breakthrough of Nigel Farage and his racist Reform UK party in the general election, which now boasts five MPs. Fascist Robinson endorsed Farage, and hard right Tory Suella Braverman, and called on his supporters to vote Reform UK. The general election was also of course immediately preceded by Sunak’s horrific racist shock detention raids after passing the Rwanda plan. “Sunak’s talk of “extremists” tearing Britain apart, “Islamist” threat and “mob rule” was a racist attempt to slur Muslims and all those actively asserting their right to protest against war and for a ceasefire. Tory MPs like Braverman, Truss (no longer!) and Sunak have emboldened Islamophobes like fascist Tommy Robinson. Antisemitic hate crimes are also increasing. The Tories stoked far right fears, Islamophobia, racism and division. We must continue to campaign for the demand for safe passage now and the policy for safe and legal routes for accessing the internationally recognised human right to seek asylum.“We must unite against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must vehemently defend the right to protest and want to see those hundreds of thousands who have been demonstrating in recent months over Palestine to unite with all those opposed to the fascist threat.”Internationally fascists and the far right have made frightening gains in the European elections, taking some 30 percent in France, Italy and Austria. “While anti racists and anti fascists dominated the streets in the week before the French election, and are right to celebrate the fascist Le Pen and her RN party’s failure to win the election, we must coninue to sound the alarm at the horror fascists and fhe far right in the ascendancy in France, where the fascist RN went from 89 seats to 143, and across Europe. Trump returning to the White House in November is a real prospect. “Robinson claimed his new film, an attempt to relaunch himself and his ‘new era’ movement, was all about “two tier” policing. But the reality is Robinson is pursuing the agenda he has for years—spreading racism, islamophobia and division and building the forces of fascism in Britain. He has to continually rebrand his agenda because the anti racist and anti fascist movement keeps breaking it, like we did when he was a member of the Nazi BNP, like we did when he was leading the English Defence League (EDL), like when he tried to mobilise on the football terraces, and like we did when he tried to stand as an MEP.”But we can’t take this for granted. It took mass mobilising, the active support of unions, politicians, cultural figures… and the mass numbers on the streets to counter his hate, expose his fascist, outnumber his thugs, and demoralise his movement, pulling away the softer layer of his support base from racist explanations by challenging racism.”It is imperative that we stand united against Robinson’s hatred and attempts to divide us. Join us in building that mass campaign united opposition” For further information & interviews please contact: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |