For immediate release 8 November 2023 Anti fascists express outrage as Braverman’s comments add fuel to the fire of Sunak’s statement, emboldening fascists and far right to mobilise this Saturday Far right and fascist groups are planning to join a demonstration organised by fascist Tommy Robinson at the cenotaph over the Remembrance Day weekend. Rishi Sunak has expressed concerns about a “clear and present threat to the cenotaph” – but the real threat is coming from fascists and organised Islamophobic football hooligans. Since Sunak’s comments, today saw furore over an article penned by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, which a Downing Street statement claimed had not gone through its process of approval. Braverman has accused the Met Police of “playing favourites” when it comes to policing, indicating that far right protesters are treated unfairly. Anti-fascists are outraged, highlighting that Sunak’s statement, and now Braverman’s latest intervention, have emboldened figures like Tommy Robinson, the Democratic Football Lads Alliance, and the Nazi National Front, who are now calling for mobilisations on both Saturday and Sunday in response. Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism, has stated: “Sunak and Braverman are effectively encouraging the far-right and fascists to take to the streets. These protests are at present being allowed to go ahead because they seem to be echoing the rhetoric of 10 Downing Street. “In recent months home secretary Suella Braverman has all but endorsed the far right antisemitic Great Replacement Theory – that argues that waves of migrants and refugees are undermining ‘Western culture’. She has also attacked civil liberties and the right to protest while enabling the far right and fascists to take to the streets. “The government’s lack of action and silence on issues like Islamophobia and racism is deeply concerning. “The far right are assembling in London simply to promote racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and their violent agenda. “We must stand united against this. It is an insult to the memory of those who fought against fascism.” Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor said: “Allowing violent, fascist, racist thugs to demonstrate near the cenotaph is an insult to all those that lost their lives in war. This flies in the face of the true meaning of armistice: peace. We call on the police to take action against those that perpetrate violence, racism, Islamophobia and hatred.” ————–NOTES TO EDITORS: Stand Up To Racism international conference Sunday 19 November – a hybrid event in Central London (SOAS) and fully online: https://standuptoracism.org.uk/new-date-sunday-19-november-resisting-the-rise-of-racism-and-fascism-conference/ For further information & interviews please contact SUTR OFFICE: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |