by Meic Birtwistle
in Llangefni

A FAR-RIGHT rally in north Wales was outnumbered 10 to one by anti-fascist counterdemonstrators at the weekend.

Fewer than 50 racists from the so-called Infidels of North Wales brandished Combat 18 banners, together with Infidels and white power flags, in the Anglesey town of Llangefni.

Their hate-fuelled gathering was overshadowed by a rival event that had been organised by local anti-racist activists to celebrate diversity on the island after they heard that the Infidels planned to protest against immigration.

In an inspiring expression of unity, Ynys Mon Labour MP Albert Owen shared a platform with Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood in the square at Llangefni, surrounded by their supporters.

The crowd of some 400 ignored snow showers as they listened to the speakers and an ad-hoc salsa band.

“The weather won’t dampen our spirits. Wherever there is facism, we will stand up against it,” Mr Owen vowed.

Ms Wood told the crowd: “Wales is a country based on immigration. Our communities are built on it and we are the richer for it.”

Plaid and Labour placards and Unite and Unison flags, as well as a wide range of individual banners, were carried at the event.

As soon as the small but vocal far-right rally entered the square, it was hemmed in behind police lines.

The neonazis attempted to goad the anti-facists with racist speeches, nazi salutes, the violent shaking of crash barriers and a large picture of Enoch Powell.

There are believed to be barely half a dozen far-right activists in the economically depressed town, with the vast majority of those who attended Saturday’s rally having come from north-west England.