A report on Saturday’s Stand Up To Racism rally against far right by the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees.

On 13th September, comrades from the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR) joined the Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) counter-demonstration in London. The mobilisation was in response to the far right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, led by Tommy Robinson. The counter-protest assembled at Russell Square from midday, with MP Diane Abbott leading a women’s section at the front of the march.

Some IFIR comrades joined the Trade Union Bloc, which had a strong presence from the NEU (National Education Union) and PCS (Public and Commercial Services Union), along with banners and flags from Unite and Unison. The mood at this stage of the march was positive, with a broad turnout from anti-racist organisations and community groups. According to SUTR, approximately 20,000 people took part in the counter- demonstration.

As the march approached Charing Cross Station, a small group of Tommy Robinson supporters began jeering at demonstrators. Tensions escalated further as the counter- protest moved past Trafalgar Square, and far right supporters advanced along a parallel street towards Whitehall.

IFIR supporters, along with others, joined the Anarchist Black Bloc, which formed a defensive presence within the protest.  The Black Bloc played a crucial and brave role in defending the demonstration. With police initially unprepared for the scale or aggression of the far right presence, it was the Black Bloc, rather than the police, who first stood between the fascists and the main body of the protest. Their disciplined and organised action helped prevent direct confrontation and ensured the safety of other demonstrators until police reinforcements arrived and took position ahead of them.

While SUTR reported around 20,000 counter-demonstrators, police sources estimated that the far right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march drew up to 100,000 participants.  Although heavily outnumbered, the counter-demonstration sent a clear and defiant message of anti-racist solidarity and resistance.

We call on all human rights activists, refugee rights organisations and trade unions to stand united against the growing threat of fascism. We must not allow the far right to divide us or intimidate our communities. There is no place for fascism on the streets of London.

All images c/o IFIR