Anti-racists are showing that the far right can be beaten back—but the danger is real and growing.
In Bristol, around 400 anti-fascists confronted fewer than 100 fascists. Protesters blocked the far-right march several times before police forced a route through.
The fascists were also split. Aryan Front reportedly refused to take part because Israeli and Iranian flags were being carried. These divisions expose tensions inside the far right. But the decisive factor was the size of the anti-fascist mobilisation.
In Brighton and Hove, around 70 people joined a Unity Rally on Hove Lawns. The far right failed to appear. In Eastbourne, more than 120 people came to a Unity Picnic that raised money, gathered new contacts and strengthened the anti-racist organisation in the town.
The battle against Reform UK is also sharpening. Around 50 anti-racists campaigned in Clacton, while activists in Silkstone, Barnsley, leafleted ahead of the Penistone East by-election after the resignation of a Reform councillor.
In Wigan, SUTR stalls at Pride and in Ashton-in-Makerfield had a huge response, distributing leaflets and stickers and signing up new supporters.
Reform is trying to turn racism against migrants into a mass political force. It wants working-class people to blame refugees, asylum seekers and migrants for the housing crisis, low wages and collapsing public services.
That lets the rich and the politicians who created those crises off the hook.
In Scotland, Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right joined a press conference called by human-rights lawyer Aamer Anwar after organised racist violence. SUTR Scotland defended the right of anti-racists to mobilise and attacked Reform UK and Police Scotland.
In Govanhill, a packed Love Music Hate Racism gig marking 50 years since Rock Against Racism showed another side of the movement. The Fuck Farage Ensemble played, with Jeremy Corbyn appearing as a surprise guest.
The most serious warning comes from Thetford. For months, far-right groups and anti-migrant campaigners have targeted asylum accommodation and spread lies about refugees. Reform and sections of the Tory right have helped drag racist arguments into the political mainstream.
When racism is normalised from above, fascists gain confidence below. The result is pogroms such as Thetford.
That is why the fight cannot stop at opposing small fascist groups. It means confronting the wider racist politics that gives them space to grow.
The weekend showed what is possible. The far right is dangerous—but it is not unstoppable.
Every time anti-racists organise, mobilise and stand together, the racists can be pushed back.
Round up from our local groups
Bristol
Around 400 anti fascists opposed no more than 100 fascists Despite a very big police presence we topped them marching a few times but police forced them through.
Reportedly Aryan Front refused to participate in the fascist march because of the Israeli and Iranian flags.
Clacton
Clacton this weekend. About 50 people from different anti racist groups campaigning 👍 including a wonderful group of young people , and SUTR. PLUS two of us in with Bins on our heads …attracted lots of good attention.
Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right Scotland
Yesterday participated in the press conference organised by Aamer Anwar, alongside MSPs, the STUC, Rape Crisis and leading campaigners, following organised racist violence on our streets. SUTR Scotland’s Zamard Zahid said antiracists are right to mobilised and slammed Reform UK and Police Scotland. Watch Zam’s speech below: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EzMhgozQ1/
Govanhill Glasgow
Fantastic packed out LMHR gig in Govanhill Glasgow celebrating 50 years since RAR… The Fuck Farage Ensemble is introduced by unexpected special guest Jeremy Corbyn! Well done comrades and other activists involved in organising 🔥🔥🔥
Barnsley
SUTR team out leafleting in Silkstone, part of Penistone East ward Barnsley, against Reform. It was a Reform seat, their councillor resigned. We hope to keep them out. Election is on 20th August.
Wigan Pride
Here’s a nice problem. Our SUTR stall at Wigan Pride has run out of stickers and it’s only 1pm.
Wigan and Ashton in Makerfield SUTR had a fantastic response. Loads of leaflets and stickers went, badges sold and a number of new joiners. A long, tiring day but well worth it. The only learning point is to take a donation box next time!
Brighton and Hove
Thanks to all the 70 odd people who came to the Unity Rally this morning on Hove Lawns, really great speeches including an activist from Thetford where there has been a recent attempted pogrom, plus anti fascist Morris dancing from Ouze Valley Morris and great music from Soul Music Against Racism and Fascism and Pan in the Park (which is continuing). Most critically no show from the far right … but the struggle continues…
Crowborough.
From Crowborough activists: I am utterly heartbroken to witness a second night of violence in Thetford, targeted at the very same men we support at Crowborough Camp.
After fighting so hard against the relentless hostility driven by groups like Crowborough Says No—often with so little outside help—it is devastating to see those same tactics and hatred replicated across the country.
For months, we’ve spent every single day standing alongside these men. We’ve provided them with clothes and shoes, helped them reconnect with families they thought they’d lost, taught them English, and shared moments of real joy and connection. When the time comes for them to move on to transfer accommodation, it is always hard. They don’t want to leave the safety we’ve built together.
But nothing prepares you for the reality they now face: the terror of being hunted down, having their few belongings stolen, and cowering inside while mobs hurl bricks through their windows. They are living in absolute fear.
They need our support now more than ever, especially as refugee organisations nationwide are forced to relocate or shut their doors under targeted attack.
At SAMAS, we are in desperate need of your help. Every week, men arrive with nothing more than a Home Office tracksuit and the flip-flops on their feet.
One of our residents at Crowborough Camp wrote a letter for us recently, and messages like his fill us with overwhelming gratitude amidst the pain.
To everyone here who has reached out, stood by us, and offered kindness—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Our work at SAMAS must continue. Without any funding somehow we are all coming together and making the impossible possible.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-migrants-asylum-seekers-with-compassion
Liverpool
Join us for an evening marking 50 years since the birth of Rock Against Racism – a movement that brought together music, creativity and activism in the fight against racism and the rise of the National Front.
The evening begins with a screening of White Riot (2019), Rubika Shah’s award-winning documentary charting the rise of Rock Against Racism in late-1970s Britain. Through archive footage, photography and interviews, the film explores the campaign’s origins, its grassroots network, and the historic 1978 carnival in London’s Victoria Park, where 100,000 people marched and gathered for a landmark celebration of unity through music.
Following the screening, hear from RAR co-founder Roger Huddle and musician, broadcaster and activist Tom Robinson in conversation about the movement’s legacy and the continuing role of music in challenging racism and the far right today.
In 1976, Rock Against Racism began as a response to racism within popular culture and beyond. What started with a letter to the music press grew into a national movement of gigs, carnivals and community organising – bringing artists and audiences together across racial and cultural divides.
50 years on, the spirit of Rock Against Racism continues through Love Music Hate Racism, using music and creativity to challenge prejudice and build solidarity.
Alongside the event will be an exhibition of iconic photos by Syd Shelton and John Sturrock. Access to these and all exhibits at the British Musical Experience will be free on the night.
British Musical Experience
Cunard Building
L3 1DS
Doors 6pm. Film Screening 7pm.
All tickets £10
White Riot (2019)
Certificate 15
Eastbourne! ❤️
-Eastbourne Unity Picnic yesterday was really successful. Upwards of 120 people came to enjoy amazing food from around the world 🌎, music, poetry, speakers, an art corner, mendhi and a Salsa class. We took £300 in donations and merch sales and there was a generous collection for the Foodbank. More importantly we took 2 pages of new contacts and embedded ourselves more as an anti-racist presence in Eastbourne. Terrific event although it was sooo hot! There were many apologies from lots of regular supporters too. Collaboration with PSC was very evident too so an excellent day all round.
Monitoring Group
There are a large number of unity events in the pipeline! Watch this space!
Forthcoming Events
