Unity Rally blocks fascists in Manchester – no support for Nick Tenconi and UKIP

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Anti racists and anti fascists gathered in Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre in the space where Nik Tenconi declared he would rally his followers, and air his ‘Mass Deportations Now!’ fascist demand

‘When the authorities say freedom of speech. No! There is no freedom of speech for fascists. Because that puts people like me, people who are different, at risk. They have no right to come into our city and spread their vile hatred’, said Nahella Ashraf from Manchester Stand Up To Racism.

Refugees joined trades unionists, young people, anti racist campaigners, and LGBT+ activists. Over 250 anti racists joined our UNITY Rally.

Ibrahim Alimamy Bangura, Co-Chair of human rights organisation RAPAR was applauded when he said, ‘Manchester is a city of migrants’. Care4Calais brought support. Sudanese refugees, including some who are homeless and living in tents in Peters Square, joined the rally.

Trade union support

The UNITY rally was supported by Manchester UNISON. The Trafford Trades Council, Salford Unison, the PCS regional banner, as well as Community Unite branches brought their banners. A local PCS branch secretary Sarah Ensor and Tony Wilson from the transport section of Unison spoke.

Health workers who provide mental health services have been on strike, were applauded.

‘Drummers for Palestine’ led a group who joined the rally after their weekly Manchester Palestine protest. One leading activist explained how ‘they could stop creating refugees by stopping the bombing of our lands. Refugees Are Welcome Here!’

Robert Lizar, a long standing anti fascist in the city, spoke, he was there with people from Jewish Action for Palestine.

The PCS Samba Band drummed up support.

There was a speaker from Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition.

From Gays Against the Nazis, LGBT+ activist Sky said, ‘We stand arm in arm with refugees and migrants, with Jews, muslims, black people and white people, all united against these fascists.’

They did not pass…

The fascist Nik Tenconi joined a group of 100, who spread hated and racism against Muslims; Parents Against Grooming. Anti-vaxers and Ukip members carrying wooden crosses joined him.

Nick Tenconi tried repeatedly to get to and hold a rally in Piccadily Gardens. A group tried to assemble in the Gardens, but retreated when they saw our rally.

Later in the afternoon he tried again to lead a march from St Peters Square to Piccadily Gds. From our Unity rally a mobilisation moved to block his forces, that had declined to less than fifty.

Anti racists were joined by many young people in town to hold the Gardens as police tried to force through a path for the fascists to march. They were repeatedly stopped. They did not pass.

‘Today we stopped the fascist from rallying in Manchester. Its was our unity that gave us the strength to make sure there was no place for fascists in Manchester.

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