Pictures from the N17 National Unity Demonstration Against Racism and Fascism

Yesterday was a good day for the anti-racist movement. We have seen the emergence of serious threats from the far-right and fascist movements this year, as home-grown groups try to replicate the success their counterparts have had in large parts of the EU and the US, and now Brazil. While in the US we have seen the consequences of this in attacks on all migrants and minorities, and a wave of shocking violence such as the Pittsburgh synagogue attack, the UK has not been immune as hate crimes have dramatically risen. We have also seen the largest marches organised by fascists and the far-right for a generation, led by the FLA and Tommy Robinson this summer.

On Saturday the national unity demonstration, organised by Stand Up To Racism and the TUC, brought 40,000 anti-racists and anti-fascists to the streets of London, a brilliantly visible riposte to the Nazis, who have also had a difficult autumn as they try to organise regional demonstrations around the country and repeatedly find themselves outnumbered by our side.

Our General Secretary, Kevin Courtney, was one of the excellent speakers at the rally at the end of the demonstration, reminding us that we must challenge racist and fascist ideas wherever they try to take root.

The Derby delegation from the NEU joined with Derby Stand Up To Racism and the Indian Workers' Association on the march and our coach down from Derby was full - it was a really good show of strength and feeling from the anti-racist and anti-fascist movement that this union is proud to be a part of.

Update 28th November

Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) has announced a demonstration of the far-right masquerading as a pro-Brexit rally on the 9th of December in London. It is vital that anti-racists do not fall for this line that his politics are anything to do with Brexit - they are about what they have always been about, creating a space for the far-right to try to build a large-scale street movement. They must be stopped - if you will be able to attend the counter-demonstration called by Stand Up to Racism, Unite Against Fascism, the Muslim Association of Britain and Brazilian antifascists Democracy for Brazil please contact Derby Stand Up To Racism at derbysutr@gmail.com 

Whilst we are updating you, here are some more pictures from the great anti-racist and anti-fascist demonstration on 17th November!