Pics by @davgilz
Stand Up To Racism activists were out on the streets of Clacton on Sunday taking to local people.
We set up our stall and handed out leaflets to passersby.
We came away from the day feeling very positive. We spoke to lots of local people, with plenty of encouraging conversations alongside some more challenging political arguments.
One thing that stood out was that a number of people who said they had voted for Nigel Farage but were keen to insist they “weren’t racist”. Those conversations gave us the chance to argue that Reform UK offers no solutions to the crises facing working-class people and instead tries to divide us.
There was also a warm response from many local families. Lots of people were pleased to see us on the streets, wished us luck, and several signed up to Stand Up To Racism.
Younger activists from Stand Up To Racism patiently debated with Farage voters and even some people expressing far-right views. Those discussions weren’t always easy, but they showed why it’s so important to argue our ideas with confidence.
The strongest impression of the day was the number of people who welcomed our presence. Whatever the headlines, there is a real audience for anti-racist ideas when we get out onto the streets and make the arguments.