PRESS RELEASE
20 November 2018
Anti-racists to counter Tommy Robinson ‘Brexit betrayal’ march: Sun 9 Dec
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon last night announced a ‘Great Brexit Betrayal March’ on Sunday 9 December. Anti-racist campaigners are warning this is an attempt by Yaxley-Lennon, who calls himself ‘Tommy Robinson’ to hijack the Brexit crisis in order to whip up further hostility to migrants and grow a far-right street movement. Yaxley-Lennon claimed on a video announcing the march “I know [UKIP Leader] Gerrard Batten has agreed to be involved]”. Batten has repeatedly made supportive comments about Yaxley-Lennon, including backing his potential membership of the party, who in recent polls place third behind Labour & the Conservatives.
The march is set to be the latest in a series of far-right protests which have featured Nazi salutes and attacks on police (2), and which have been followed by attacks on trade unionists (3), a Mosque and Gurdwara (4). The largest such demonstration took place on 9th June, with numbers estimated at 10-15 thousand.
Last Saturday 17th November an anti-racist Unity Demonstration of 30-40 thousand people opposing the growth of the far-right marched through Central London in what organisers described as a powerful display of unity against racism and fascism. Speaking at the rally, Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey said of Yaxley-Lennon “You do not represent the working people of this country. You do not stand for my working class, which has always rejected and fought this sort of racist filth that you spout.”
A counter protest to the ‘Tommy Robinson’ march has been called by Stand Up To Racism, who are calling on all who oppose the far-right to support and attend, regardless of their views on Brexit, in order to show that the vast majority of society, whether they voted leave or remain, will not allow the issue to be hijacked by the far-right.
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor said:
“With the government in crisis and the far-right on the march across the world, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is trying to take the opportunity of further growing a racist street movement in Britain. Every one of his mobilisations has featured the most vile Islamophobia and been attended by open fascists.
“This threat will not simply go away if we ignore it. It is vital the majority of society is clear in its opposition to any attempts to use Brexit to scapegoat and demonise communities. That is why we are organising a counter-protest and why we urge everyone regardless of their views on Brexit to attend and support.”
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor said:
“‘Tommy Robinson’ is a convicted fraudster, a lifelong racist and former member of the British National party. Whether you voted remain or leave we can not let racists use this issue to spreat hatred and division.
“The rise of far right and fascism across the world is warning to all us that fascism seeks to destroy all forms of democracy.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Details of Counter-protest on December 1st to be announced on Facebook event.
- Report of attacks on Police at far-right demonstration in London here
- Report of attack on senior trade unionist here
- Report of attacks on Mosque & Gurdwara after far-right march in Leeds here
- On Saturday 17 November, a national unity demonstration against racism & fascism took place, which was address by MPS, MEPs, musicians, faith and community leaders.
- Stand Up To Racism is a national broad-based organisation supported by major trade union, faith and community groups. As well as organising the annual march for UN Anti-Racism Day, it organises actions and produces materials on Islamophobia, antisemitism, refugee and migrant rights, and against the rise of the far right.
For quotes, interviews and further info email info@standuptoracism.org.uk