| Anti racists are outraged to discover that fascist group Britain First have announced an intensification of their “patriot migrant patrols”. In what they have dubbed “Operation White Cliffs”, the group are patrolling Samphire Hoe beach in Kent, “equipped with torches, binoculars and hi-vis jackets” hunting for migrants. They intend to escalate this operation in the coming weeks. This announcement comes in the wake of reports yesterday that over 700 people have been evicted from the Dunkirk camp in France, including families and children. Riot police arrived at 7am in the largest eviction in over a year. Britain First are a fascist group formed by former members of the fascist British National Party. Thomas Mair, who was jailed for life for the murder of Jo Cox, was reported by eyewitnesses to have shouted “Britain First” as he carried out his fatal attack. Current Britain First leader Paul Golding recently admitted to physically attacking ex Britain first deputy leader Jayda Fransen, and has recently been convicted again of religious harrassment in Belfast. Britain First have also conducted ‘Christian patrols aimed at intimidating Muslims at East London Mosque. The group also has links to Nazi organisations in Poland. Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor said “It is a shocking indictment of the atmosphere that has been created here, with the Tories’ ‘hostile environment’, and Boris Johnson’s cabinet’s intent on intensifying it, that we have a fascist group like Britain First having the confidence to launch such a racist initiative. “Given the hateful politics of this group, the name of their vile stunt – ‘Operation White Cliffs’ suggests a chilling echo of the kind ideologies expressed in Germany in the 1930s. It aims to champion the hunting of the most desperate people who are only doing what any of us would do in embarking on the most horrendous and dangerous journeys to find a better life for their families. “Here, in the last year, Stand Up To Racism has played an important role in organising mass opposition to the attempts to establish a far right violent street movement. We outnumbered supporters of fascist ‘Tommy Robinson’ on the streets, and led a broad campaign that stopped him getting near the legitimacy of a seat as an MEP when he stood in the election. But the racist populism Johnson is engendering, looking to act as Britain’s Trump, with an agenda that pushes a rotten racism at its core, is clearly, like Trump, helping to irrigate the swamp of the far right and fascist forces, bringing some of the most vile elements to the surface. “We have to oppose every attempt to sow division and hatred by these forces, and challenge the ‘hostile environment’ that gives them confidence.” Clare Mosley, Care 4 Calais, said: “We are shocked and concerned to learn of this unsettling development on our Kent coastline. When deeply traumatised men, women and children arrive on our shores they are often in need of medical attention and should be met by professionals. We urge anyone who thinks otherwise to please think again. “Whatever your opinion regarding the arrival of people from France, we believe it is essential to maintain respect for British law and trust in the work carried out by our emergency response services.” Riccardo La Torre, firefighter and Eastern Region Secretary of the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) said: “The announcement by far right activists to begin migrant patrols along the coast is despicable – these have a go, racist vigilantes have no place in any kind of enforcement or emergency activities and will only serve to make conditions and tensions worse. “These groups claim to be the voice of the working class, but now they want to act as an arm of the authorities by patrolling beaches to apprehend struggling working class people desperately trying to get to safety. “Me and my watch at the fire station were once asked to assist the police in apprehending suspected migrants allegedly hiding in a lorry. They weren’t in any danger so we flat out refused, because as firefighters we help people, we don’t apprehend them. We are a humanitarian service, not an enforcement service. We stand with other working class people, not against them. This latest stunt shows exactly who these far right groups truly serve, and it certainly isn’t workers like us” Notes for editors Stand Up To Racism is a major anti-racist organisation with support across the labour and trade union movement and from many faith groups. We are holding an international conference against racism and fascism on Saturday 19 October. For speakers and themes go here For further information or interviews email info@standuptoracism.org.uk |