Image: A young girl holds a handmade sign thanking anti-racists defending a hotel that has been targeted by the far right
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s assault on the rights of refugees will only encourage the Tories and far right Reform UK to push for more.
Every time the government scapegoats refugees they are legitimising the far right and opening the door to racism.
Her plans will lead to more people joining far right led demos against those seeking asylum. In Crowborough this weekend hundreds marched against asylum seekers being housed at the military base there, with the organised far right making the most of their opportunity to join them.
But there is hope.
The big counter protest against fascist Nick Tenconi in Bristol (see below), the unity demo of hundreds in Oxford, the Women Against the Far Right event on Merseyside and the Unity Walk in Walsall against racism and violence against women and other mobilisations in the past week, are all signs that our side is fighting back and growing in strength.
Anti-racist highlights of the week:
1- A young girl living in a hotel targeted by far right protesters this week held a sign saying:
“Thank you for protecting us, we love you” to anti-racists who had mobilised to defend the hotel.
2 – In Wandsworth on Thursday 13th, activists from SUTR organised a protest outside a Reform UK fundraiser.
The venue, Le Gothique, is a restaurant owned by a Reform activist, Mark Justin. The former Conservative councillor defected to Reform after being deselected in an internal Tory leadership battle.
Before the event SUTR activists were contacted by a couple of residents in the same building as the restaurant who were keen to get the event cancelled, and who are supportive of what SUTR activists are doing. They have launched an open letter.
Despite the rain, and the short notice, there were about 60 at its height of the anti-racist protesters. Anti-racists reported that the letter sent by local residents was particularly powerful to see.
Image: Local residents in Wandsworth write an open letter condemning the use of their community building and Reform UK being given permission for a fundraiser there
Local residents who had organised the public letter also brought out a spare meagphone for sutr protesters to use.
LONDON, EAST & SOUTH EAST
Image: 350 anti-racists mobilise as part of the Oxford Unity march on Sunday 16th November.
Crowborough
An activist reported back from SUTR leafleting on Monday 10th “Thanks and well done to everyone who came to the SUTR leafleting of the Crowborough public meeting this evening. We picked up a few contacts and got thanked by a few people for being there, but overall we got the kind of cold reception you would expect. There were also some clear local far right organised elements around and so some real hostility from some at times but important to be there so well done to those who joined us”
Wandsworth
On Thursday 13th, Wandsworth Stand Up to Racism called a protest outside a Reform UK fundraiser. A SUTR activist reported that “Tickets were £25 a head, it was members only, and headline speakers were David Starkey, Sarah Pochin, Matt Goodwin, Connor Tomlinson and Mark Littlewood. (Connor Tomlinson was forced to withdraw by Reform central office, as he is ‘not on the approved speakers list’)
Before the event we were contacted by a couple of residents in the same building as the restaurant who were keen to get the event cancelled, and who are supportive of what we are doing. They have launched an open letter.
The protest went very well in the circumstances. Despite the rain, and the short notice, there were about 60 of us at its height. This included NEU activists, Green Party members, and several local residents, who left contact details.
Norwich
Activists reported that on Saturday 15th “We had a few of the mass non-compliance leafleters in Norwich today. Also a half dozen pink ladies. We had an impromptu counter chanting around the pink ladies because they had a loud PA system”
Crawley
On Sunday 16th, 70 people braved the cold to join the Crawley Stand Up to Racism counter protest. An activist reported that “we outnumbered the 30 or so local far right and racists which was an important step forward. Our side was also joined by refugees from the hotel as well as the local Muslim community”
Oxford
Approx 350 anti-racists joined a hugely successful Oxford Unity march on Sunday 16th. An activist reported “Oxford showed it’s best side today when over 350 joined a Unity March against Racism from Cowley to the Town Centre.
The fantastic XR drummers and the “beautiful drummers” created a carnival atmosphere that had a clear anti racist message through the streets of Oxford. It was heartening to see Muslim families opening their doors and standing on the side of the road with children to clap and wave while others spontaneously joined the march.
Disgracefully Thames Valley Police facilitated fascists gathering at our march assembly point and refused to take action to move them on. The rump of ten fascists were greatly outnumbered by anti-racists. They represented nothing but the hate promoted by rich racists like Nigel Farage, and rich fascists like Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk, whereas our side represented a genuine community movement with support from over 20 organisations.
A big thanks goes out to all our speakers, and activists across the many organisations who helped make today a success”
Portsmouth
Report from Southsea from Saturday 15th. “Over 80 anti-racists once again brought love, unity and community to Southsea seafront to show a miserable bunch of less than 20 fascists and far right that refugees are welcome here and the people of Portsmouth love music and hate racism!
This week we even had a live drummer!
The fascist splinter group calling themselves ‘together we rise and protect’ shouted their racist slogans and the same old lies about anti-racists, while we celebrated community and diversity.
We will not allow hate, harassment and lies against our friends and neighbours to go unchallenged.
Every week we grow with more people sick of the scapegoating and lies joining us to stand up to racism”
Upcoming activity:
– Saturday 22nd November – Harlow Love Music Hate Racism ○ Harlow Love Music Hate Racism. Door open 7pm – The Harvey Centre Harlow Tickets £5 on door, £6 in advance
– Monday 24th November – Eastbourne Unity Meeting ○ 6.30pm doors open with music and stalls ○ Eastbourne Blind Society, Longstone Road, Eastbourne
– Tuesday 25th November – Love Music Hate Racism & SUTR at the Fox and Firkin, London ○ https://foxfirkin.com/event/resist-the-rise-of-the-far-right-25th-november-2025/
– Saturday 29th November – Love Music Hate Racism in Sutton ○ 7pm, St Heliers Methodist church
– Saturday 29th November Eastbourne Love Music Hate Racism ○ Louder than Hate – 8pm till late ○ Printers playhouse, 49A Grove Road
– Friday 5 December – Love Music Hate Racism Hastings ○ 7pm, The Pig, 37 white rock Hastings – more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/rage-against-the-far-right-pla/4212146399104216/
MIDLANDS
Image: Women Against the Far Right organise a unity walk in Walsall – 140 people joined the show of unity on Sunday 16th November.
Chesterfield
On Tuesday 11th, 40 people attended a very good SUTR meeting in Chesterfield. 40 people. Fantastic speeches including from Women Against the Far Right.
Wolverhampton
On Saturday 15th, 35 anti-racists opposed 70 far right activists. An anti-racist reported “we stuck it out, though, until they left shortly after 3pm. (30 of them 20 of us at the end).
We assembled in front of the migrants hotel that they marched to. 60 on their march joined up with the 10 or so ‘auditors’ who were harassing us from the start. This is now a coherent group doing the rounds in this area (they announced Cannock next Saturday) with organised fascists at its heart – both Patriotic Alternative and Britain First. It is not huge but it is definitely getting more dangerous.”
Walsall Unity Walk
140 joined the Walk With the Women of Walsall on Sunday 16th, united against racism, misogyny & hate. A SUTR activist reported “We started with 3 short speeches and had 3 stops for more speeches. 12 speeches altogether from women representing 10 organisations including SUTR, Women Against the Far Right, the Trades Council, local Palestine group, Walsall Black Sisters and a local Asian Women’s centre. Really positive and a lot of new contacts made”
Upcoming activity:
– Saturday 22nd November – Coventry LMHR gig ○ 6.30-12, LTB showroom ○ Follow on insta LMHRcoventry
– Saturday 22nd November, Worcester No Place for Hate ○ Speakers, music, workshops, food and poetry ○ 11-3 – venue TBA
– Saturday 22nd November – one community, celebrate Diverse Derby ○ 9.30am, Derby Council House
– Sunday 23rd November – Birmingham Women Against the Far Right ○ Birmingham Women Against the Far Right: Procession of Light – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & Girls. 5pm, St Martin’s Square, Birmingham City Centre (by the Christmas tree)
– Friday 5th December – Coventry, Music of Defiance ○ Coventry – Music of Defiance. Free entry – 6pm-1am, The Box, Fargo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED
NORTH EAST, YORKSHIRE & HUMBER
Image: anti-racists mobilise in Hull on Saturday 15th November
Newcastle
On Saturday 15th, anti-racists mobilised against the far right at the Newbridge Hotel in Newcastle for the 16th week in a row!
Hull
On Saturday 15th, 50 anti-racists chanted, played music and had speeches. Defend Refugees and Stop the Far Right countered up to 100 from Hull Patriotic Protesters and the Douglas
March protest group. Lots of support from passers by as we were leafleting and brought anti-racists a big box of heroes.
Wakefield
On Saturday 15th, an activist reported that there was a “good turnout for the Wakefield Unity rally despite Storm Claudia & several competing local events. Probably slightly more of us than them, with 80-100 on each side.
We had people join us as we marched and as we stood, & we forced a diversion of their march. We were lively, confident & optimistic. It’s clear though that we have work to do to broaden & deepen both the weekly counters at Cedar Court & these 4 weekly “set-piece” counters in the city centre”
Upcoming activity:
– Saturday 22nd November – Hull Unity Rally ○ 12pm Queen Victoria Square
– Friday 28th November – Hull Love Music Hate Racism ○ Hull Love Music Hate Racism. 7:30pm until late, The Polar Bear Club
Image: Zarah Sultana showing support for our upcoming Unity Rally, and LMHR gig, in Hull
– Saturday 8th November – Sheffield ‘Keep our city Nazi free’ Stop UKIP ○ 12pm at Sheffield Cathedral, S1 1HA
NORTH WEST
Image: Women Against the Far Right Merseyside mobilise on Saturday 15th November
Merseyside
On Saturday 15th November Merseyside Women Against the Far-right (WAFR) held our first counter-protest on Church St in Liverpool opposing the racist “Save our women and children” demo.
We were 60 strong, including people who we had leafleted at the St Helens Your Party assembly and people who attended the recent Southport counter-protest. We built for our counter on social media and through leafleting sessions in the city centre.
The far-right had a mere 10 to 20, and they gathered around their “No to Digital ID” stall which is another issue they are seeking to exploit to spread racism. At one point they attempted to unfurl a flag, but they lacked confidence and quickly put it away again.
We were delighted to get widespread support from passers-by, who showed their backing through thumbs up, smiles, fist pumps, or in their words.
All our leaflets were given out and we used the QR code to Insta to keep in touch with new contacts and build Merseyside SUTR and WAFR. Well done to all who stood with us and we look forward to building and growing WAFR. Please continue to share our open letter and join our fight on the streets, in our work places and communities. Thank you all who organised, stewarded and supported our action. More is planned.
Sign the open letters below (North West and national): Women against the far right – Action Network: https://share.google/N1XGwshH8Jb95WJtE
Women Against the Far Right North West: https://linktr.ee/womenagainstthefarright.nw
Upcoming activity:
– Saturday 22nd November, Stockport Unity Rally ○ Assemble 11am, St Peters Square, Stockport, SK1 1NZ
– Saturday 29th November – Manchester Open Meeting ○ Against the prevent duty in Manchester- organised by Amnesty International ○ 14.15, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St
SCOTLAND
Image: 150 anti-racists mobilise in Inverness in a show of solidarity against racism
Inverness
On Saturday 15th November, 150 anti racists mobilised against around 250 on the racist protest. An activist reported that despite the numbers in Inverness “over half of the racists group seemed to be hanging around rather than actively getting involved”
Fife
On Saturday 15th, there was a great anti-racist day school for our Fife activists – lead offs on the history of anti-fascism/racism and anti-racist myth busting!
Upcoming activity:
– Saturday 22nd November- Women Against the Far Right Scotland Organising Event, Edinburgh ○ 11,45am – tickets here: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-against-the-far-right-scotland-organising-meeting-edinburgh-tickets-1936059188149
– Saturday 29th November – St Andrews Day march against racism. Glasgow
– Saturday 6th December – Reject Division, Hate and fascism – Inverness ○ Cameron Barracks, 1.30pm, Inverness
– Saturday 6th December – Falkirk Unity March & Rally ○ 11am, in front of Callendar House, Callander Park.
– Saturday 6th December – Freedom Karaoke 3, Glasgow ○ The Rumshack, Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow. 8pm till late
SOUTH WEST
Image: 500-600 mobilise in Bristol outnumbering 70 far right activists including Fascist Nick Tenconi on Saturday 15th November
Bournemouth
On Friday 14th Bournemouth hosted a hugely successful Love Music Hate Racism gig. An activist reported that “It was a huge success, we sold out the Anvil (100 tickets sold) with over £500 raised for Medical Aid for Palestinians. We handed out loads of SUTR leaflets .
The music was incredible, the focus on anti-racism was clear. Everybody had a fantastic time and there is a clear hunger for more events like this with each band wanting to come back and play again when we organise the next one. So overall, could not have gone better”
Bristol
On Saturday 15th, 500-600 anti-racists mobilised in Bristol against 70 fascists including Tenconi, who was roundly humiliated. An activist reported that Tenconi “left Bristol saying it was a communist led hellhole!”
Bristol is a great example of where the movement really works together, we can deliver broader and much more powerful mobilisations. Time after time hundreds are joining counter demonstrations. It shows that we can mobilise the anti-racist majority.
Upcoming events:
– Saturday 6th December Plymouth is anti-fascist – Counter protest: 10am, the sundial, Plymouth
WALES
Upcoming events:
– Thursday 20th November – Caerphilly Public meeting ○ Lessons from Caerphilly- How to defeat the far right ○ 5.30-7.30pm – Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE MONITORING GROUP
The monitoring group have seen the far right attempts to utilise a model of “patrolling” towns and cities in the name of protecting women and children as a method of creating environments of hostility and fear.
In some areas they have used fake ‘security’ jackets in order to legitimize their ‘patrols’. What the monitoring group has found is that far right and fascist organisations are often at the heart of these so called ‘community safety groups’ that target refugees, migrants and Muslims.
The press statement below about the Essex Spartans released by Harlow SUTR exposes how far right forces are connected to these ‘safety groups’ in local areas:
Harlow anti racists say no to far right vigilantes
A far-right vigilante group known as the Essex Spartans has begun patrolling in Harlow.
This is a worrying development because, although claiming to be a ‘community safety group’ it was in fact set up by far-right racists in Epping during the campaign of intimidation and violence against refugees outside the Bell Hotel there.
Founder Jack Golding has been pictured at the Bell Hotel protests, and his own Facebook page contains racist and misogynistic comments towards women, black people and people from Pakistan. A post on his page also advocated support for the neo–Nazi British National Party.
The Essex Spartans Facebook page also contains a derogatory post towards asylum seekers, and, according to their own Facebook posts, it is an organisation supported by far-right activist Mathew Durham of the ‘Harlow Says No’ anti-asylum seeker group as well as Craig Kitts, the notorious ‘Flag Man’ responsible for the deliberately intimidatory display of flags around our community.
A spokesperson for Stand up to Racism said ‘the far-right Essex Spartans vigilante group is part of a pattern of fascistic groups around the country setting up street patrols to normalise intimidation of refugees. At first, they take a ‘softly, softly’ approach to ingratiate themselves with local communities, similar to that taken by Neo-Nazi Callum Barker in Epping who set up litter picking patrols before organising violent protests at the Bell Hotel. This may have even fooled some participants.
The fundamental aim of the organisers, however, is to whip up the fear that communities are threatened by people seeking asylum and that our country has to be ‘taken back’. But this is not true. Our communities are more at risk from violent far-right activists like those creating mayhem outside the Bell Hotel. Our town is a town for everyone. Our community is united. We will not let it be torn apart by racists and hatemongers.’