There are less than 4 weeks until the Together alliance demo in London on Saturday 28 March.
Reform may have lost in Gorton & Denton but they remain odds on to breakthrough in the May elections across Britain.
The need for a mass mobilisation to drive Farage and Robinson’s street thugs back (his next Unite the Kingdoms demo is on 16 May) couldn’t be more obvious.
This weekend saw big unity mobilisations in Worthing and Portsmouth and impressive counter demos against the far right in Hull, Crewe and Worcester.
There is a growing movement against the far right and we can bring it all Together on 28 March.
This Thursday 5 March the Together alliance has called a workplace day of action to build for the London demo. A community day of action is set for 14 March. On Sunday (International Women’s day) people in Birmingham, London’s second city are preparing to march unity and to build a mass turn out for 28 March from the Midlands.
We can stop the far right. But we need a truly mass movement to do it – and that makes 28 March a crucial date for all of us.
Counter demos and Unity Marches
Portsmouth
February 28th, up to 400 turn out for the magnificent Unity Rally in Portsmouth. This was Portsmouth SUTR’s first real protest this year. We were kept busy for much of last year with counterprotesting the Far Right down the seafront at the “Refugee Hotel”; we had to contend with Nick Tenconi and their bussing in their rent-a-reich protesters.
There was then the problem of them harassing people attending left-wing meetings, until their numbers dwindled down for both targets, and they gave up.
We won.
We were, therefore, wondering how many people they would get there for their Unite the Right counter-protest. They ended up getting around 18.
There was a series of magnificent speeches from our side. Penny Foskett of the NEU kicked it off with a magnificent, rousing speech that called out the vicious politics of the Far Right and announced the launch of the local branch of Women Against the Far Right.
We had a number of our local poets reciting antiracist poetry. There were speeches from local University students, who have been doing sterling work selling seats for the coaches going up to London for what looks like Britain’s biggest anti-racist demo ever.
We had the brilliant Matt, the drummer, lifting everyone’s mood as he always does! Elliott Lee of the local Green Party spoke about Hannah Spencer’s huge achievement in winning the Gorton by-election.
The trouncing of the Reform Party candidate has given a huge boost to anti-racists everywhere. Hannah’s victory has given hope to many who were feeling demoralised.
There is a new sense of hope in the movement. What needs to come out of today’s event is a firm commitment in general in the struggle against racism, and also the resolve to make sure that the demonstration on 28th March is absolutely massive.
Southampton
TOTAL FLOP for the far right in Southampton
The so-called “Southampton Patriots” tried their much-hyped relaunch today — months of boasting about their first big march of the year from Highfield to Guildhall Square… and this is what they got: a total flop.
Even on their livestream, their numbers barely reached 100, despite calling in reinforcements from across the South, and quickly thinned out by the end at the Guildhall. A pitiful showing!
Meanwhile, over 300 people from across Southampton came out in solidarity for our Unite Against the Far Right counter-demo — political parties, faith groups, trade unions, community organisations, and neighbours standing shoulder to shoulder.
A vibrant, colourful, diverse crowd, with flags, placards, union banners, powerful speeches, and a lively march along Portswood High Street to Bevois Valley, finishing at the Peace Fountain.
While they try to divide, we build. While they spread fear, we show strength.
A proud day for our city!
Crewe
Today, love conquered fear and hate: A planned protest was held opposite The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Headquarters in Crewe, England by far-right activists.
In response, anti-racism protestors came to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Headquarters to stand against hatred, intolerance and racism.
Activists from “Stand Up to Racism” and “Women Against the Far Right” joined us in our stand, as well as members of NORSCARF – “North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism”.
The supporters of anti-racism were chanting slogans such as “Without love there is no life!” – a quote from Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan, one of the founding fathers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, as well as “Humanity First!” A principle and quote of the Qaim Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. Other slogans included “This is what community looks like!” And “No more hatred, no more fear – racism’s not welcome here!”
The Hashem’s Choir also contributed with some songs that promoted peace, unity and love.
Worthing
Great day today in Worthing. Several hundred marched, great atmosphere, lots of people signing up for SUTR, Together demo and anti Reform local election campaign.
Hull
In Hull today 150 strong counter demo to local far right and Tenconi’s UKIP. We held the centre of town. By the time they marched towards us it was fairly even numbers. We drowned them out with chanting, music and speeches Nick Tenconi we know you you’re a fascist through and through.
Say it loud say it clear refugees are welcome here. Whose Hull Our Hull!
Worcester
A spokesperson from Worcestershire Against Racism said:
“We are here to show support for those people who are seeking sanctuary at the Fownes Hotel.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the residents of the Fownes Hotel – the people who are seeking sanctuary and trying to escape horrific conditions from other countries.”
Building Together
Falkirk
(Report from Falkirk For all) Fantastic day with Forth Valley Trade Unions in the Community (TUIC)! Unions and community groups came together to celebrate the opening of the Trade Union hub in Falkirk.
Resources like those provided by Forth Valley TUIC are a key part of helping our communities, and support anyone in the area with a wide range of issues. TUICs build strong relationships and networks in communities to offer advice and support to anyone in need.
Today was a great showing of how our community comes together for something that will truly benefit everyone.
As well as supporting Forth Valley TUIC, Falkirk For All stood in solidarity with asylum seekers at the Cladhan – this time, hotel shouters numbered a dismal 8. Literally. No doubt affected by the six arrests they suffered on Wednesday evening!
However, every great day and cause has their opposers. Voices For Falkirk decided to hold a pre-protest outside the event before leaving to shout at the Cladhan. Only around 15 of them showed up to ‘protest’ (although this would mean they have some political demands, which they didn’t convey).
Antisemitism, racism, hatred, and all forms of discrimination are not welcome in Falkirk. We stand up for our community, and we stand together in unity!
If you are able to join, Falkirk For All and Stand up to Racism – Scotland will be attending the Together Against The Far Right march on Saturday 28th March in London, where thousands of anti-racists, trade unionists, environmentalists, community activists and more will be coming!
Liverpool
Today in Liverpool City Centre and Liscard in Wallasey. Campaigning for 28 March. Big smiles from people after Gorton and Denton by-election.
In Liverpool UNISON Merseytravel and LCRCA branch with our member Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council. We are Together Against the Far-Right. Join us with the #TogetherAlliance in London on 28th March.
Nottingham
Great Launch for the Nottingham Together Alliance last Thursday!
We had a fantastic turnout for the launch of the Nottingham Together Alliance with attendees representing a wide range of local organisations and communities.
We shared powerful statements from:
• Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East
• Clive Foster, Windrush Commissioner
• Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum
We also received messages of support from:
• Kadie Kanneh-Mason, from Nottingham’s renowned musical family
• Louise Regan, Chair of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign
• The Spencer Trust, supporting our Trans community
On the night, we heard inspiring contributions from:
• Midlands TUC
• Notts TUC & NUJ
• Nottingham XR
• Women Against the Far Right
• NEU
• CND
• National Pensioners Convention
And representatives of:
• Nottingham Independent Group
• Labour
A special moment came from Panya, founder of Nottingham Black Archive, writer and poet, who closed with a moving poem before our group photo.
Also with us were:
• Friends of the Earth
• a Nottingham Trent University media student capturing the event
• Representatives from Nottingham Stand Up To Racism and Unite Community
A huge thank you to everyone who attended or sent their support. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Nottingham.
The launch was a build up to the 28 March Together Alliance national demo.
Lincoln
70 turned out for 3 hours on a wet Lincoln afternoon for the Together Alliance Rally. Attendees heard Speakers from SUTR, UCU, PSC, YourParty, Green Party, XR, Faith Communities, Trans Community and a Labour Councillor. 35 tickets have now been sold for the Unite Community coach for 28 March
London
Newham
Workshops at Newham’s mobilising meeting for Together Alliance today made ambitious plans for building across the borough for 28M.(pic)
Sutton
I went to an open meeting of the Sutton Green Party at The Sound Lounge – both the party and the venue support the Together Alliance demo – including Baroness Jenny Jones (Green peer in the House of Lords)
Bexley
SUTR Bexley doing Together Alliance leafletting session on a rainy day in Bexleyheath shopping centre near the fabulous Clocktower. Mostly positive responses but not surprisingly some negative as it is a Reform target borough along with the neighbouring Bromley borough.
Leytonstone
Leytonstone Against Racism event this afternoon on history of anti fascism in East London. Very well organised, interactive and informative presentation by Ella Baker speaker. No mention of ANL or RAR or SUTR just HNH – but mentioned in report back from breakout groups later. This is the beginning of a campaign to get March 28 posters up in house windows alongside the considerable number of houses with LAR posters.
Chingford
Our very first anti-racist meeting in Chingford on Friday night. Even though we had only about a week to build it 45 people came. Great atmosphere, enthusiasm for actions before and after the 28th of March.
Wales
Merthyr
Today SUTR was in Merthyr Tydfil and in the Plaid Cymru conference building for the Together Alliance. Thrilled to have the support of Lindsay Whittle MS, who was the candidate that beat Reform in Caerphilly!
Lewes
In Lewes, East Sussex – We had 14 people out yesterday on the High St mass leafleting for the Together Alliance demo.
We also leafleted Lewes FC women’s match today and last Sunday.
Yeovil
Yeovil, Somerset – TOGETHER for Unity and Hope (pic)
Barnstaple
Spoke at the Barnstaple Islamic Cultural Centre at Friday Prayers re 28 March Together Alliance march and donating towards the cost of the coach. Spoke about Gorton and Denton. Reform scapegoating etc .
North Devon PSC is organising with the Islamic Cultural Centre for another visit.
A very good response ending in applause! Hopefully some cash for the coach to come and building stronger links.
Other activities and reports
From Dumfries and Galloway Against Racism
Danny Thomas, an associate of “Tommy Robinson”, came to Dumfries and made a deliberate false allegation against a refugee.
Some gullible local racists responded and demonstrated outside the Mercure Hotel on the last 2 Fridays where a strong police presence denied them access.
On Friday 27th their numbers fell dramatically to under 40 thanks to the exposure of their lies. See counter protest below.
Monitoring group Overview
The far right in the form of Paul Golding have shown their true colours this week – with Golding calling for the bombing of Luton and other cities that he perceives to be Muslim “dominated”.
In response to this filth there have been excellent counter protests and Unity demonstrations across the country.
Importantly some of these have been in areas that have had to confront the racists week on week for many months. This has been an effective strategy as the racists have been reduced to a small hard core. Only 18 far right in Portsmouth.
In Southampton which has also had to confront the right over a long period of time, SUTR and others rallied 300 against the right’s 100.
The cowardly targeting of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Headquarters in Crewe by far right was met with excellent community resistance with support from Manchester SUTR. A great example of a community defending itself.
In Hull the ludicrous Nick Tenconi along with local fascists managed a few more than has been normal for Tenconi recently. Their march was a shambles, confined mostly to the pavement and then through empty areas before reaching the rally point. They were met by a great SUTR and local antifascist presence that equaled them in numbers.
In Crowborough the weekly anti asylum march was down in numbers, around 300 – perhaps because of the weather. However it is still a focal point for the far right. It has had visits from Paul Golding’s Britain First, Tenconi and several high level activists in Advance UK. The local people that do attend need to ask themselves if they want to stand alongside these racists and fascists.
SUTR welcomes the short pause in the Leeds vs Man City match at the weekend for muslim players to break their fast, unfortunately it was booed by some fans.
Good then to see the leafleting against racism at Manchester United game.
Hopefully this can be replicated in other places. We know that Arsenal fans and Women against The far Right have leafleted Women’s fixtures at the Emirates.
Activists from around the country continue to build for the 28 March Together demonstration. Fundraisers, leafleting sessions and organising meetings are taking place in many areas.
The focus for next week will be the Birmingham Unity demonstration on International Women’s Day March 8th.
Upcoming events
Birmingham International Women’s Day Unity demonstration.
DUMFRIES 7TH MARCH 12 NOON at the FOUNTAIN in the HIGH ST
D&G Against Racism and D&G TUC are calling for anti-racists to support this rally to show that Dumfries rejects all racist bigotry.
7 March Leicester counter mobilisation
7 March Bristol counter mobilisation from 11 am.