Rotherham
Isaac, Sheffield Socialist Party
Over 150 anti-racists from trade unions and other groups turned out in Rotherham on 30 November, organised with the support of Rotherham and Sheffield trades councils, to oppose a protest called by the Tommy Robinson-inspired ‘Unite the Kingdom’. It was anti-climactic to say the least, only seven turned up.
I’d expected something akin to the Battle of Cable Street, but they were more like Sesame Street! And Rotherham wasn’t an exception, planned ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rallies flopped not just in South Yorkshire, but across the country, in areas such as London, Coventry and Newcastle.
A dozen Socialist Party members, including myself, were there with our placards which read: “Jobs, homes, and services for all, smash racism”. We proudly marched with our TUSC banner reading “No cuts, closures, or privatisation”.
Sheffield Socialist Party member Mick Suter, a housing officer and Unison steward for Rotherham council, gave a fantastic speech, rightly criticising the incumbent Labour council for its lack of action around issues like the cost of living, opposing cuts and building houses.
Far-right protests in Britain are a strong reminder of the need for direct action to fight back against bigotry in society, and to provide a socialist programme that unites the working class, and helps fight back against the ever increasing greed and inequality we see in capitalist society every day!
Torquay
Jane, Devon Socialist Party
The local Trades Council, trade union branches including the NEU and UCU, and other groups produced a fantastic turn-out of over 100 to counter a tiny far-right demo of six.
One of the very few far-right demonstrators had a sign saying she was a concerned mother, speakers from the trade union side addressed this well. Socialist Party member Duncan Moore from UCU and the local Trades Council pointed out that yes, she was right to be concerned about her children’s future but that she was laying blame in the wrong place, it should be laid at the door of billionaires, global companies and government, not at the door of refugees or migrant workers!
