anti-racism
Join us at the ‘Stand Up To Racism’ protest in London on Saturday 1st February
Written by Sarah Bates
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Thursday, January 23, 2025
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Anti-fascists march against Tommy Robinson in London (Photo: Guy Smallman)
Anti-racist protesters are preparing for a mass demonstration against supporters of Tommy Robinson in London on Saturday, February 1.
The group Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) has organized a counter-demonstration as jailed Nazi sympathizers prepare to go on rampage in central London.
In north London, anti-racism activists are planning a “speak out” in the center of Haringey this week. “We’re taking what was originally a flyer-distributing event and making it more creative and engaging,” Gary told Socialist Worker.
He said music and poetry are “making the event something bigger.” Gary added: Palestinian activists said they were “starting a divestment campaign in Crouch End and we will then join them”.
Duada, also known as musician Mr. Solus, was key to attracting artists to Saturday’s event.
“We’ll be providing performances, flyers and other information. As musicians, it’s about using art as a form of protest and a way to get involved,” he said.
He said bigots were increasingly expressing their opinions openly.
“People are now more comfortable saying negative things in public. They are inherently racist and feel confident sharing their negative opinions.” ” he said.
North London activists are planning a local ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ gig in the area on February 25th.
Meanwhile, Ms Jawad, from Leeds, said her local SUTR group visited around 13 different locations in just one day as part of efforts to step up counter-demonstrations.
“We went to mosques, community centres, Hindu temples, Sikh Gudwaras, shops and churches,” he told Socialist Worker.
“We are arranging stalls outside two large mosques near the city center to distribute leaflets and raise awareness after Juma (Friday prayers).
He described the reception as “fantastic” and said he hoped to fill the bus to London.
Anti-racism stalls in city and town centers have become central locations for activists to get their messages across.
Mr Teige told Socialist Labor that a series of campaign store openings in Oxford city center had caused a “huge response”.
“Reform Britain and Robinson’s supporters are small but appear to be emboldened. People who are badmouthing us in our stalls are being monitored,” he said.
“But overwhelmingly people are concerned, and the racist summer riots are still going on.”
Teige added that “people understand the need” to fight back in the wake of Elon Musk’s Nazi salute at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The activist, who works in the charity sector, said people were booking local transport for February 1 because “it’s not just far-right racism that they’re concerned about”. Ta. They are also concerned about attacks on women’s rights,” he said.
“And they’re concerned about the lack of action on the climate crisis. There’s a series of attacks from the far right.”
Activists have increased their momentum in Leicester after a crowd of 200 people protested outside the Reform UK regional conference earlier this month.
SUTR supporter Christine said this week’s activist conference had succeeded in “bringing different movement groups together”.
The meeting was attended by Palestinian and LGBT+ activists, students, young workers, Muslims, Labor Party members, as well as activists from the Shutdown Elbit anti-weapons direct action campaign.
“People signed coaches for the counter-demonstration at the rally and new SUTR activists will join our campaign on Saturday,” Christine told Socialist Worker.
Leicester anti-racists are also planning how to reach out to rural and suburban communities that are likely to be targeted by Reform UK in the next local elections.
In central London, anti-racism activists distributed leaflets to staff at St Thomas’ Hospital during the early morning rush.
Activists across the UK are painting a picture of an increasingly confident far-right. But the majority of people do not support Farage or Robinson. The rally to counter-protests on February 1st is an opportunity to revitalize that mood.
Love Music Hate Racism is holding an anti-racism concert on the night of the protest. Dave Okum will headline the event at Douglas Way, Albany, London DE8 4AG. Purchase your tickets here. For more information, see “Confronting Racism.”
