Here’s how you can show solidarity and help fight fascism, both in London and nationally
The UK has recently seen horrific displays of violence in the racist attacks and riots that followed a London rally led by far-right agitator Tommy Robinson on Sat 27th July and subsequent disorder in Southport. But, at every turn, these hate groups have been met with anti-racist resistance – often, as was the case in Bristol, outweighing the fascists’ action.
The targeted communities remain under threat and counter-movements are calling for support in putting an end to the violence, as well as addressing the deeply rooted issues that have led to this eruption. Here’s how you can help.
Protest racism
Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) is hosting a counter-action across the country on Sat 10th August. The national day of protest, titled ‘Stop the Far Right’, will be a demonstration of solidarity with refugee and migrant communities and resistance against fascism.
In London, organisers are planning to meet at the Reform UK HQ in Westminster. Check the SUTR site for the latest updates.
Before then, SUTR is also organising to defend asylum support centres on Wed 7th August at 7pm in response to threats circulating online. Counter protests will be held in Brentford, North Harrow, North Finchley and Waltham Forest, with more planned nationally. Find the full list here.
Donate
SUTR has launched an emergency fundraiser to support their efforts in opposing the violence from the far right. In a statement about the Emergency Unity Fund, SUTR writes that their “efforts are focused on bringing communities together and standing strong against intolerance” and that donations will help them to “hold more events, and produce more materials to fight racism and foster unity.”
You can donate here.
Other organisations combatting racism and hate you can donate to include: Care4Calais, Exit Hate, Hope Not Hate UK, Refugee Action, Migrants Organise, Migrant Voice and Women for Refugee Women.
Sign Stand Up to Racism’s unity statement
You can join trade union leaders, Labour MPs and some of the UK’s biggest artists, musicians, actors and performers in signing SUTR’s open letter of unity against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism.
The letter states: “We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We can defeat them again. We must Stand Up to Racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must unite and mobilise against the far right and fascism.”
You can sign it yourself, here.
Let refugees know that they are welcome
Refugee Action (RA) has a Welcoming Message initiative, through which we can demonstrate our support in words. As RA puts it: “It’s the little things that matter – a kind word or a smile can make such a difference to all of us. But it can mean even more to someone who has been forced to flee their home because of war and violence. It lets them know that they’re not alone. That there are people here in Britain who care. Who share their hope that they can build a new life here.”
You can share your message here.