The left wing weekly paper Socialist Worker reports on a weekend of protests across the UK.

Thousands of anti-racist campaigners took part in co-ordinated demonstrations and events across Britain on Saturday, in a national day of action opposing the far right. The protests were organised to build momentum for a major national demonstration in London later this month.

In Bristol, approximately 1,500 people joined a unity march organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR). A similar event in Newcastle attracted around 300 participants, while scores of activists in other towns and cities distributed leaflets promoting the upcoming 'Together Against The Far Right' national demonstration scheduled for 28 March in London.

Marchers in Bristol expressed pride in their city's diversity. "I’m very proud to be here today and to see so many others come out too," said Jenny, speaking to Socialist Worker. "We’re making clear that we are proud of being a multicultural, multilingual and diverse city." A University of Bristol student, who joined after seeing the march pass her accommodation, said, "I come from a family of immigrants, so this is an issue that I hold very close to my heart. It’s so important to realise the love that unites all of us over ignorance and discrimination."

The crowd chanted slogans including, "The people united, will never be defeated," and, "Refugees are welcome here." The march featured banners from various groups, including local branches of the UCU, NEU and Unison unions, Your Party, the Green Party, and Bristol Women Against the Far Right.

Addressing the rally in Bristol, Fran Heathcote, general secretary of the PCS union, emphasised the importance of solidarity. "My union has a proud history of standing up against racism and fascism, and fighting for equality," she said. Heathcote argued that workers can only win demands when "black and white, young and old, men and women, migrant and British workers, all stand together." She added, "Unity is our strength and that is why it is in the interest of the rich, the corporate bosses and the landlords to distract us and divide us."

Your Party MP Jeremy Corbyn told the crowd that the anti-racist fight must be connected to broader social campaigns. "We have got to be as deeply involved as we are in the anti-racist fight in campaigns for decent housing, decent health, decent schools," he said. "We have to push for an economic system that doesn’t push more people into poverty."

In Newcastle, care worker Trish stopped to join the rally. She told Socialist Worker, "I realised I agreed with the speakers and posters. I hear racist stuff at work. It makes me angry but I’m often tongue tied. I’m pleased to meet people I agree with."

Samira Ali from SUTR and Women Against the Far Right, speaking in Bristol, urged activists to draw inspiration from recent protests in the United States. "We want to take lessons from the United States at the moment," she said, referencing the announced end to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minnesota following mass protests and strikes. "They used their power as workers to strike and cause an economic blackout. That’s the kind of resistance that can stop the far right. That’s the wave of resistance that we need to see here in Britain to stop the threat of Reform UK and fascists like Tommy Robinson."

Ali called for a massive turnout at the London demonstration on 28 March. "We have to make this a monster demonstration to send a clear message across Britain that we’re standing up, we’re fighting back, and together we are going to stop the far right once and for all."