Sam Kirk reports – A good weekend for Leeds anti-racists and anti-fascists. Yesterday (Saturday 28th September) nine fascists were massively outnumbered and today the Civic Trust and Stand Up to Racism unveiled a Blue Plaque for the Battle of Holbeck Moor.
The 1936 Battle of Holbeck took place one week before Cable St and saw 30,000 turn out to oppose Mosley and his 1,000 Blackshirts – as a result the fascists were prevented from assembling.
There were three MPs in attendance on Sunday – Hilary Benn (Leeds South MP), Richard Burgon (Leeds East MP) and Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East MP).
All the MPs were wearing Stand Up to Racism stickers and badges.
16 Leeds City Councillors and trades unionists from many unions were also in attendance. The sponsorship was backed by a wide range of trades unions and community groups.
Families of some of the 30,000 were there; some travelling from Cambridge. Richard Burgon MP’s grandad was one of the 30,000.
The BBC covered the event, reporting that 200 attended, and there was good radio coverage too.
I was incredibly proud this weekend to attend the unveiling of a plaque marking how 30,000 people in Leeds mobilised to stop the British Union of Fascists in 1936.
— Richard Burgon MP (@RichardBurgon) September 30, 2024
As well as remembering our history, we must also learn from it as we again face the threat of far-rights thugs. pic.twitter.com/BJUXajlfb4
Hundreds of activists attend rally to recognise 1936 anti-fascist mobilisationhttps://t.co/2Vc2EaIaAB
— Morning Star (@M_Star_Online) September 29, 2024
Wonderful to unveil a plaque to the 30,000 heroes who stopped the British Union of Fascists rallying in Leeds in 1936.
— Richard Burgon MP (@RichardBurgon) September 29, 2024
My grandad Tommy was one of them.
We need to remember them, but also learn from them as we again seek to stop the far-right targeting minority communities. pic.twitter.com/kdr7ZJF8aQ
