| Press release For immediate release 13 November 2023 Braverman gone but government’s racist offensive and threat of far right remains, warn anti racists Braverman has left an emboldened far right in her wake, say anti racists Anti-racists have welcomed Suella Braverman’s sacking but argue that she has left an emboldened far right in her wake and Rishi Sunak has echoed a lot of Braverman’s rhetoric. Campaigners argue that the “stop the boats” racism that Sunak’s government unleashed will not be reversed by sacking Braverman. Stand up to Racism campaigners argue that there is no doubt that the far right demonstrators on Saturday were emboldened by Braverman. However they also say far right and fascist demonstrations – often violent – have been taking place consistently throughout Sunak’s period as Prime Minister. They say as tensions are heightened it is crucial for communities to unite against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and hatred. Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor Weyman Bennett said: “Braverman’s dismissal was long overdue for enabling fascists, racists, and unruly football hooligans. However, what is truly concerning is that her racist rhetoric remains unchallenged. “Shockingly, even Sunak echoed some of her sentiments, without repudiating the dangerous Great Replacement Theory that Braverman shamelessly invoked. This theory is not only antisemitic and racist but also fuels Islamophobia. It is imperative that we come together and stand united against those who seek to divide us.” Sabby Dhalu, the other Co-Convenor of Stand up to Racism said: “There is no doubt that the violent fascist and far right thugs out on the streets in London on Saturday were emboldened by Suella Braverman’s reckless and racist interventions last week. That’s why she was sacked. Braverman will forever be remembered as the Home Secretary that built the far right. “However her sacking will not solve the problem of “stop the boats” racism – that has built the far right. These groups have been demonstrating consistently since Rishi Sunak has been Prime Minister, for which he is responsible.” ————–NOTES TO EDITORS: FOR VIDEOS AND QUOTES FROM SATURDAY’S SCENES AT EMBANKMENT AND WHITEHALL, GO TO (credit Stand Up To Racism): https://standuptoracism.org.uk/press-release-fascist-tommy-robinson-protest-gathers-1000-marched-on-cenotaph-in-wake-of-sunak-and-braverman-comments/ Resisting the Rise of Racism and Fascism: 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/ SPEAKERS: Neville Lawrence (father of Stephen Lawrence) // Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP // Paul Nowak (TUC general secretary) // Daniel Kebede (NEU general secretary) // Mark Serwotka (PCS general secretary) // Mohammed Kozbar (MCB deputy secretary general) // Shaka Hislop former footballer and Show Racism The Red Card // Aamer Anwar (lawyer for family of Sheku Bayoh) // Sukhdev Reel (mother of Ricky Reel) // Kim Johnson MP // Steve Smith Care4Calais speaker // Pinar Aksu refugee & human rights activist //Aïcha Bounaga (Collectif Contre L’Islamophobie en Europe) // David Rosenberg (Jewish Socialist Group) // Cathy Pound (Searchlight) // Sabby Dhalu & Weyman Bennett (Stand Up To Racism co convenors) & more SESSIONS: 11am – 11.30am Welcoming panel 11.30am – 12.45pm Refugees Welcome – Stop the Scapegoating – Don’t Let Them Divide Us – Braverman Out 12.45pm – 1.15pm LUNCH 1.15pm – 2.30pm How Can We Stop the Rise of the New Far Right? 2.30pm – 3.30pm Fighting Institutional Racism Today Panel 3.30pm – 3.45pm Closing panel and call to action For further information & interviews please contact: SUTR OFFICE: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |