FAR-RIGHT violence broke out in London on Saturday after 15,000 supporters of fascist Tommy Robinson marched through the capital as anti-racists stood up to “the voices of division and hate.”
Thugs attacked emergency workers and at least one counter-protester and nine people were arrested.
Hundreds of fascists attempted a breakaway from their main march to attack counter-protesters.
Two of the men arrested are understood to have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm against a counter-protester who suffered head injuries.
Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, could also face arrest for showing a libellous film at the rally in breach of a court order.
The racist hatred spouted by Robinson and his supporters was countered by a rally and march involving up to 5,000 anti-racists and backed by the TUC, 11 trade unions and a wide range of campaign groups.
Rousing speeches included a call by Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn for the movement against the far right to be as broad as that against Israel’s genocide in Gaza in the last nine months.
Mr Corbyn said that when governments across Europe failed to tackle the crises of falling living standards, poverty and the millions who use foodbanks, “then the blame culture against minorities, refugees and others will take over.
“That is the atmosphere in which the fascists and far right thrive,” he said.
Mr Corbyn went on: “So our campaign is yes, to oppose racism in any form but it is also for a more decent, more equal, more inclusive society that gives hope to all people in all circumstances.”
He said that protests calling for peace and “for an end to the killing of Palestinian people and the war in Gaza” had seen “huge numbers of people” mobilise.
“That is the protest movement that will beat fascism, that will bring peace, justice and equality,” he said.
Eddie Dempsey, assistant general secretary of transport union RMT, told the rally: “The trade union and labour movement must stand against the voices of division and hate. Our unity is our strength.”
Martin Cavanagh, president of Civil Service union PCS, said: “PCS are clear that the whole movement must mobilise to defeat the resurgence of the far right.
“We will not allow their racism to engulf our society.”
David Rosenberg of the Jewish Socialists Group called for “the maximum unity in action against all manifestations of racism, and [we must] build lasting anti-racist and anti-fascist majorities in our communities up and down the country: to make the country a hostile environment for those who thrive on and exploit misery by targeting minority communities.”
Rob Punton of Disabled People Against Cuts said: “Let us unite to remove the fascist from our streets, before they are strong enough to remove us from our streets.”
The anti-racists marched from Russell Square to Whitehall.
Robinson and his thugs marched from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square where a rally was held.
The racists chanted “Rule Britannia,” “England till I die,” and “We want our country back” as they marched.
Among those spotted at the fascist rally was actor turned race activist Laurence Fox.
The rally included the showing of a film in which Robinson made a libellous attack on a young Syrian refugee living in Yorkshire.
Robinson is due to appear in the High Court on Monday accused of contempt of court for screening the film.
Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate wrote on X: “The Attorney General’s office have been made aware of Tommy Robinson screening a film he was banned from showing.
“Such a flagrant disregard for the law could well see him facing the maximum two-year sentence.”
As the Star went to press last night, it was being reported on X that Robinson had already been arrested over the infringement.
