The Counter-March

The counter-march against Tommy Robinson’s racists and fascists was a significant improvement on what happened in July, when he rallied over 15,000 followers. Yesterday, his supporters still gathered around that number, while the anti-fascists turned out approximately 10,000 to 15,000 marchers. We are not yet at a stage where we have achieved overwhelming numbers against them, indicating that we are still at the beginning of building a mass campaigning movement. Indeed, Weyman Bennett, co-convener of march organiser Stand Up to Racism, made this very point in his speech from the platform.

Following the last demonstration in July, the far right rioted in areas across England the following week, even attempting to burn down hotels housing asylum seekers.

“Mass mobilisations against the far right are crucial to isolate them.”

Trade Union Involvement

A very encouraging sign at the anti-racist protest was the participation of many trade unions. This mobilisation was bolstered by the TUC’s support for the demonstration. National Education Union leader Daniel Kebede spoke out strongly before the march, and this was reflected in the NEU having the largest bloc. There were banners from the UCU, CWU, UNISON, the PCS, ASLEF, RMT, the Fire Brigades Union, UNITE community branches, and various trade councils. However, it is essential to note that most of these banners had relatively small contingents behind them. Clearly, this demonstration was predominantly a mobilisation of the radical left and its supporters, lacking the broad support seen in the mass Palestinian solidarity marches.

“Clearly, this demonstration was predominantly a mobilisation of the radical left and its supporters.”

Palestine

Links were made to the Palestinian struggle from the platform. Robinson and his supporters march to the tune of Islamophobia. According to reports, his marchers chanted anti-Muslim slogans. However, the thousands of young people from the Muslim community who join the protests surrounding Palestine have yet to be convinced to join the anti-racist protests against the far right. Some individuals may feel intimidated and wary of marching in the same area as thousands of racist thugs. Just because someone marches for Palestine does not automatically mean they will perceive the Robinson mob as a growing threat.

One friend I met on the march suggested that the organisers might have included musicians or other cultural elements to attract a younger crowd. In successful campaigns against the National Front and the BNP, the Rock Against Racism approach was employed effectively. Listening to the long list of speakers, one could see his point; the speeches often reiterated the same points made by previous speakers. Perhaps a concert could have started or concluded the march, although this requires more planning and resources. It is something we should consider for future mobilisations. I know they are planning such a campaign. Effective campaigning should not solely denounce the vile nature of fascist ideas but also affirm our positive alternative vision of a multicultural society.

“Effective campaigning should not just be about denouncing the nastiness of fascist ideas but also affirm our positive alternative vision of a multicultural society.”

Jeremy Corbyn spoke and received the biggest cheer, while Labour MPs Diane Abbott, Jon Trickett, and Kim Johnson also addressed the platform. They clearly distinguished themselves from the Starmer line, which leaves everything to the police and tough sentencing. Labour Party banners were notably absent from the march, as nearly all CLPs are firmly controlled by local Starmerite members. At my local General Management meeting, the chair attempted to limit all debate to local issues. National politics, such as Palestine or the rise of the far right, apparently occur in a bubble above the streets of Hackney. Such politics also seemingly have nothing to do with the erosion of the local Labour vote in favour of the Green Party. Even proposing motions to support anti-racist demonstrations is very challenging.

An interesting aspect of the fascist march was its connection to Reform UK. Socialist Worker reported:

“One speaker said, ‘Reform UK, bring your representatives, don’t be scared and speak to us. These people are loved and devoted to you.’” On a Tube train, a handful of Robinson’s supporters repeatedly shouted, “Vote Reform UK.”

Hope Not Hate reported that another speaker urged people to join the far-right UKIP. Clearly, protests can only go so far; they recognise the need for a political vehicle as well.

“The far right in Britain moves forward on two fronts, one in parliament, the other in the streets.”

The far right in Britain advances on two fronts: one in Parliament, represented by its MPs and the personality cult of Nigel Farage, darling of the corporate media, and the other in the streets, where they physically attack migrant hostels and vocally espouse the politics of Reform UK. Just as we see in Italy, France, or Germany, these two wings of the movement are interconnected, with a back-and-forth of activists between them.

Saturday was a step forward for the anti-fascist movement, but larger strides will be necessary if we are to build a mass campaign capable of truly extinguishing the threat from Robinson and his followers. Local activity is crucial and as important as set-piece demonstrations. Starmer’s push for growth, in junior partnership with big business, will not bring genuine improvement to the lives of millions, particularly in deprived communities. Robinson and Farage will continue to seek support among a pool of frustrated and angry people. We have a responsibility to build a radical political opposition to this socially liberal Labour government, encompassing a practical vision of hope for an ecosocialist alternative.

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