Anti-racism drive launched in Swindon

Swindon Stand Up To Racism (SSUTR) is launching a drive to build solidarity in communities and support for future anti-racist demonstrations.

The move follows a series of violent far-right riots across the country, when a group of anti-racism campaigners in Swindon stood in unity to defend the community against rumoured protests from the far-right on 7 August.

SSUTR says the far-right used the horrific stabbing of young girls in Southport to whip up division and hatred in communities, and that racist and Islamophobic rhetoric was encouraged with disinformation about the tragic event, spurred on by well known far-right players on social media.

An SSUTR spokesperson said: "We need unity, not division. We need people to understand that poverty, hunger, unemployment, the cost of living crisis, lack of affordable housing and the state of our NHS are not caused by immigration or refugees fleeing to safety. 

"The politicians and the rich and powerful are only too happy to see the working class fight amongst ourselves, rather than blaming those that are responsible for these conditions. It’s an age old strategy to spread disinformation and division, scapegoating black and minority ethnic communities.

"We stand against all forms of racism and discrimination and are inviting Swindon residents, organisations, councillors, MP’s, faith groups and Unions to join our movement."

Swindon Stand Up To Racism is asking people to sign a statement it has released, saying: "Stop the far right: Unite against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. 

"Fascist riots have taken place in towns and cities across Britain leading to attacks on mosques and hotels housing migrants. Tommy Robinson mobilised over 15,000 in Trafalgar Square on 27 July. The far right are spreading racism, Islamophobia and hatred.

"Robinson and others are attempting to exploit the horrific knife attack in Southport to stir up Islamophobia and sow division by spreading misinformation about the attacker’s identity. This led to a racist mob rioting in Southport and elsewhere, violently attacking the mosques and police, chanting the same hateful slogans heard on Robinson’s London demonstration.

"Racism and Islamophobia in Parliament is leading to racism and Islamophobia on the streets. When Robinson asked his London protest who voted for Nigel Farage and Reform UK, almost every hand went up. 

"Suella Braverman emboldened this latest iteration of fascist mobilisations, with her claims of an “Islamist” threat, policing “double standards” and refugee “invasion” inflammatory rhetoric.

"Across Europe we see the rise of far right and fascist forces, from Marine Le Pen in France to the AfD in Germany.

"The far right are a threat to all decent people. The trial of Finsbury Park terrorist Darren Osborne, who murdered Makram Ali, heard that he was radicalised by reading material by Tommy Robinson. When Robinson was leader of the English Defence League, it attacked Muslims, trade unions and strikes.

"All those who oppose this must join in a united mass movement powerful enough to drive back the fascists. The majority of people in Britain abhor Robinson and the far right.

"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."

The statement has already been signed by many people and organisations, and 

People can sign at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUOk_3rEURmnwJL2meZXiUGLuXzi7rQeAdP_3JE_5FHLt9Rw/viewform or visit the Stand Up To Racism website at standuptoracism.org.uk - or find it on Stand Up To racism on social media.

Swindon Stand Up To Racism has invited local councillors and the town's two MPs to sign the statement.

People can get involved by emailing [email protected] or finding the group on Facebook.

A local public meeting will be organised in the near future, where individuals, unions, faith groups, refugee charities, minority groups and anyone who is interested can come to plan future events, share ideas and pledge solidarity with the Swindon community against racist and Islamaphobic attacks or rhetoric.