Anti-racist and anti-fascist mobilizations continue across the United Kingdom, opposing far-right events announced in dozens of locations. The recent surge in Islamophobic and xenophobic attacks since late July has led to widespread opposition from trade unions, local solidarity groups, and anti-hate networks.
To oppose the far-right attacks and make it clear that they represent only a minority, solidarity groups are organizing mass events on Saturday, August 10. A unity statement published by the network Stand Up to Racism and signed by local politicians, media and cultural workers, and activists emphasized that the far-right is a threat to all, not just parts of the population. The signatories of the statement reminded of the English Defence League’s history of attacking Muslims, trade unions, and strikes alike under Tommy Robinson’s leadership, implying this would happen again if the hate groups are not stopped.
Trade unions like the National Education Union (NEU), the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have expressed solidarity with the targeted communities, urging the new Labour government to decisively curb the xenophobia fostered by previous administrations.
“Austerity, cutting pay and trashing public services were choices made by right-wing politicians in the interests of big business — not by migrants,” stated FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack. “We stand for the unity of all workers against a cynical divide and rule agenda.”
Read more: Communities in Britain rebuild after weekend of far-right destruction
On Wednesday, August 7, tens of thousands of activists responded to threats against immigration support and asylum services in cities including Newcastle, Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham. These locations were listed on far-right social media groups that spread calls to violence, instructions for attacks, and racist and antisemitic slurs. In all of these towns, anti-fascists by far outnumbered the far-right protesters.
Despite successful anti-right mobilizations, the threat of further violence exists. Figures like Reform UK’s Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) continue to spread misinformation and fuel hatred against asylum seekers on social media. Robinson has been riling up protests from abroad, avoiding potential arrest for ignoring court instructions.
As far-right figures hide and flee the scene, left activists from other countries are rallying to support the UK’s solidarity movement. Newly elected French MP Raphaël Arnault, a leader in the French anti-fascist movement, joined the anti-racist rallies in London on Wednesday. Statements from Arnault and his France Unbowed comrade Mathilde Panot reflect the European left’s recognition of shared sources for the far-right’s attempt to seize power — neoliberal policies and anti-immigration discourse — and the need for a collective response to counter it.
