This weekend saw a series of very important mobilisations against the far right (Image: Anti-fascists assemble in their thousands in Tower Hamlets as part of the Unity Demonstration).
The most visible was that by thousands of people in London’s East End borough of Tower Hamlets.
Fascist Nick Tenconi & UKIP had planned to hold an Islamophobic march through the borough, but as opposition mounted, and it became clear the response to the far right would be massive, police stopped their march and it was redirected to central London.
A huge victory rally was rightly held on Saturday in Whitechapel, the fascists planned assembly point. The spirit of Cable Street (where the East End stopped the British Union of Fascists in 1936) is well and truly alive and well – No pasaran!
Meanwhile, in central London as Tenconi and around 100 supporters prepared to march from Knightsbridge, around 200 hundred antifascists who were opposing them were met with a section 14 notice from police and an exclusion zone that took in most of central London!
Image: In an attack on the right to protest, the Metropolitan Police implemented an exclusion zone on anti-racists opposing fascist Nick Tenconi in central London
Image: 200 anti-racists at the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, central London, outnumbered the fascists more than 2 to 1.
We still managed to assemble and offer opposition to the far right, despite arbitrary arrests and harassment in what amounted to another huge attack on the right to protest in Britain.
But it wasn’t just London that was a critical battleground. Up to 1,000 people marched against the far right in Exeter on Saturday while 600 antifacsists gathered in Southampton and outnumbered an Islamophobic demonstration that had been urged on by fascist Tommy Robinson.
Southport saw 200 antiracists & antifascists oppose 200 far right activists, aiming to stir up violence and division in a town that has faced such tragedy.
The message is simple – wherever far right & fascist groups mobilise Stand Up To Racism, alongside others, will opposite them. We won’t allow the far right to divide and intimidate our communities.
Refugees and the Muslim community are not to blame for the very real and deep problems that we all face.
Everytime the present government makes concessions to racism and the scapegoating of refugees it only fuels support for far right Reform UK and the fascist street thugs we saw mobilising from Whitechapel to Southport this weekend.
Help us build a mass movement against the far right.
Anti-racist highlight of the week:
Stand Up to Racism Valleys released the following statement after the Caerphilly By-Election result:
“Reform threw everything they had at this election — and they still lost.
That result is thanks in no small part to the tireless, herculean efforts of our activists, who delivered thousands of leaflets, spoke with countless residents, and made clear the dangers that Reform’s politics pose to us all.
The defeat of Reform is a huge victory for anti-racists everywhere. The importance of today’s result cannot be overstated — heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to every activist who stood up, spoke out, and helped make this happen.
But this is only the beginning. Our fight continues — not only to stop Reform UK and other far-right parties, but to build a genuinely anti-racist, inclusive alternative.
Join Stand Up to Racism today”
LONDON, EAST & SOUTH EAST
Image: Anti-racists mobilise in Tower Hamlets. (pic credit: Sean Vernell)
Portsmouth
About 25 fascists targeted a socialist workers party meeting in Portsmouth on Wednesday 22nd – despite the rain, they chanted throughout the meeting and security and police had to coordinate the exit for those attending. They had halved in size from when they had targeted the same socialist group a week earlier.
On Friday 24th Portsmouth 60 anti-racists outnumbered 28 far-right activists targeting a hotel.
Canterbury
On saturday 25th 130 anti-racists outnumbered 60 – 80 far right activists in Canterbury
Tower Hamlets Unity Protest
Anti-racists secured a decisive victory in London on Saturday. A “crusade against Islamists” organised by UKIP was barred from assembling in Tower Hamlets after the strength of mobilisation going into the day.
Thousands of antiracists, the local Muslim community and trade unionists still mobilised to defend Whitechapel and have a powerful showing of unity against the far right.
Opposing UKIP in central London
While thousands gathered in Tower Hamlets and despite a section 14 notice, an exclusion zone that took in half of London and a series of random arrests antifacists still gathered on Saturday to oppose fascist Nick Tenconi.
Tenconi and UKIP had retreated to Knightsbridge. Some 200 antifacists gathered to oppose them under constant harassment by large numbers of police.
Despite police threats and intimidation we held a successful rally and showed that whatever the circumstances the far right will meet opposition.
Alongside the mass arrests of Palestine Action supporters and arrests of other Palestine campaigners Saturdays events were another blow to the right to protest.
Embarrassing turnout for Nazi Nick Tenconi in central LDN today. Just managing 100 far right goons. Meanwhile 200 anti-fascists are opposing them – and more importantly Whitechapel is full of thousands of anti-racists
They did not pass! #StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/AxNNCa0mzs
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) October 25, 2025
Braintree
On Saturday 25th Harlow Stand up to Racism joined a Community Unity Event hosted by Braintree for Everyone. Around fifty people took part including many children who enjoyed a bouncy castle, games and art activities inside a local church.
The town had seen a number of threatening far right protests so today’s event was a grass roots united community response to their race hatred. Aside from a SUTR stall there were stalls from Care for Calais, Amnesty International, Colchester against Racism and Chelmsford for Palestine.
A number of people took SUTR leaflets, badges and stickers and many were keen to set up a local SUTR group as well.
Peterborough
On Saturday 25th counter demo, “spread love not hate, 100 anti-racists outnumbered 3 of them. 5-10 more of them was seen around but quickly became invisible when they saw the anti-racist turnout
Bromley
On Sunday 26th a Bromley Unity Event, had lots to follow up on, with plans including a possible LMHR Christmas gig at Bromley college – “loads of good stuff” Reform UK have targeted Bromley and the Crays specifically for next May and activists believe there is lots of work to do in the area.
Hastings
Sunday 26th, Hastings Women Against the Far Right launch
Southampton
Statement from Southampton (Sunday 26th October)
“Southampton Stands Up To Racism – Unity in Action!
Today, hundreds of Southampton people — glorious in their diversity — stood shoulder to shoulder to show that hatred and intimidation have no place in our city.
Thanks to the determined efforts of our communities, faith groups, trade unionists, and anti-racist campaigners, the far right were prevented from marching through Portswood and Bevois Valley. Together, we showed that when our city unites, we can stop hate in its tracks.
Despite their leader Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures releasing videos urging people to come to Southampton, and billing it as “the biggest anti-immigration demonstration outside London,” they could only muster around 400 supporters, according to BBC News — while many more local people joined our peaceful, anti-racist mobilisation. The message is clear: Southampton stands together, and the far right are not welcome here.
The far right ended their protest with a rally in Hoglands Park, where they illegally erected a stage and other infrastructure without permission — just yards from the memorial to those who died in the Southampton Blitz, when this city stood firm against fascism.
While our MPs and the Leader of the Council had already spoken out clearly against racism, it is deeply disappointing that the Council allowed the organisers of this far-right farago to occupy public space in this way. It is time for the Council to stand fully with the people of Southampton — to uphold its duties, use its powers, and ensure that those who spread fear and division are not given a platform in our city.
Today’s mobilisation showed the very best of Southampton — peaceful, proud, and united. Together, we sent a clear message:
There is no place for racism or fascism in Southampton”
Upcoming activity:
– Thursday 6th November – Colchester Public meeting SUTR – Uniting the community ○ 7.30pm, the Minories, 74 High Street Colchester
– Stepney Green – Love Music Hate Racism 7pm, The George Tavern, 373 Commercial Road, E1 L0A. Tickets: £6 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1843150957129
– Sunday 17th November – Crawley Unite Against Division • Crawly unite against division. 10:30am Holiday Inn, Crawley RH10 1UA
– Saturday 22nd November – Harlow Love Music Hate Racism • Harlow Love Music Hate Racism. Door open 7pm – The Harvey Centre Harlow Tickets £5 on door, £6 in advance
– Tuesday 25th November – Love Music Hate Racism & SUTR at the Fox and Firkin, London • https://foxfirkin.com/event/resist-the-rise-of-the-far-right-25th-november-2025/
– Saturday 29th November – Love Music Hate Racism in Sutton • 7pm, St Heliers Methodist church
MIDLANDS
Upcoming activity:
– Friday 7th November – Stop Unite the Right • Lincoln Cornhill, Fri Nov 7th, 5.15th
• Defend refugees say no to Nick Tenconi
– Saturday 22nd November – Coventry LMHR gig • 6.30-12, LTB showroom
• Follow on insta LMHRcoventry
– Sunday 23rd November – Birmingham Women Against the Far Right ○ Birmingham Women Against the Far Right: Procession of Light – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & Girls. 5pm, St Martin’s Square, Birmingham City Centre (by the Christmas tree)
– Friday 5th December – Coventry, Music of Defiance ○ Coventry – Music of Defiance. Free entry – 6pm-1am, The Box, Fargo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED
NORTH EAST, YORKSHIRE & HUMBER
Image: Anti-racists mobilise in Newcastle. The fascists – including one pictured above giving a nazi salute above – were outnumbered for the 13th week in a row.
Leeds
Every Friday since August, far right activists have targeted a hotel in Leeds housing refugees. Once again, this week approx 40 anti-racists opposed 40 far right activists.
Newcastle
For the 13th weekend in a row, anti-racists in Newcastle mobilised to oppose the far right who are targeting a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Upcoming activity:
– Friday 28th November – Hull Love Music Hate Racism • Hull Love Music Hate Racism. 7:30pm until late, The Polar Bear Club
– Saturday 8th November – Sheffield ‘Keep our city Nazi free’ Stop UKIP • 12pm at Sheffield Cathedral, S1 1HA
NORTH WEST
Image: Anti-racists mobilise in Southport
Southport
On Sunday 26th October, Merseyside SUTR supported the Southport Against Racism (SAR) counter-protest against a far-right march
“We had our banner there and stood with Women Against the Far-Right and their banner. There were about 200 of us on the counter. The SAR counter was mostly local people and was lively and diverse with a positive anti-racist message of community and compassion.
The far-right were filiming and trying to provoke and harass us. Nazi Britain First were present. The far-right had approx 200+ and disgracefully their march went ahead. They were very threatening and aggressive. We did our best to stay safe.
We made the right calls today along with SAR. There is great ground for more anti-racist work in Southport. Thank you all who supported today’s counter-protest”
Manchester
Activists attended the Greater Manchester Stand up to Racism AGM, who have been organising meetings, counter protests, marches and cultural events across the area. The speakers and
contributions from the floor discussed how we can do even more to turn the tide against the Far Right, both on the streets and electorally. We agreed strategy about how to build in our localities as well as bigger and broader alliances to create a stronger anti racist movement. A GM Steering Committee was elected and a delegation to attend the National Stand up to Racism AGM in London in the 8th of November.
SCOTLAND
Change happens when we come together and demand it ✊🏻
Great crowds, energy and banners as we make our way down to the meadows. pic.twitter.com/rBbVIeYUwp
— The Poverty Alliance (@PovertyAlliance) October 25, 2025
X post above: Women Against the Far Right Scotland leads the anti-racist bloc at the Scotland Demands Better National Demonstration.
Glasgow (South)
On Tuesday 21st October 35 people joined a brilliant and lively SUTR Southside organising meeting in the southside of Glasgow – many of whom were joining a SUTR meeting for the first time! Fantastic speeches from LMHR, Women Against the Far right and Stand up to racism
“We had great discussions, with loads of exciting suggestions and plans for building for the St Andrews Day Demo in November, local gigs, stalls and even a street party!”
Scotland (national)
SUTR Scotland released a statement in solidarity with the Justice for Sheku Bayoh campaign:
“SUTR Scotland sends solidarity to the Justice for Sheku Bayoh campaign, Aamer Anwar and the whole Bayoh family.
Back in May, we marked the 10th year anniversary of Sheku’s brutal death with his family.
The actions by Police Federation & its accomplices lengthen an already unacceptably long process.
Faced with these disgraceful efforts to block justice, we know the Bayoh family campaign will respond with dignity and determination, as they’ve done at every turn over more than ten years, and SUTR will be fully behind them to continue demanding justice and the truth”
Scotland (national)
On 25th October Women Against the Far Right Scotland were proud to be leading the anti-racist bloc at the Scotland Demands Better march in Edinburgh called by the STUC and Poverty Alliance. Thousands of people marched to demand better conditions and say no to racism!
SUTR groups from across Scotland mobilised for the demonstration.
Dundee
On Sunday 26th, far right activists from Falkirk travelled to Dundee to prop up a dwindling campaign by a local far right activist. Dundee activists noted the irony of others coming to the local area to whip up hatred of refugees. Anti-racists outnumbered them and one of the (dwindling in numbers) local far right activists was arrested by police.
Upcoming activity:
– 29th November – St Andrews Day march against racism. Glasgow
SOUTH WEST
Image: Love Music Hate Racism Gig in Weymouth
Exeter
On Saturday 25th October ‘Exeter is for Everyone’ march of 1000 opposed a far right patriots march of below 200. “Great atmosphere largest anti racist protest in Exeter for some years”
For 12 weeks SUTR has organised counter-protest to the far right attempts to intimidate migrant hotel residents in Exeter. Over that time 250 people have joined the counter-protests, always out-numbering the far right. The far right boasted they would have 1000 people – in the end they had perhaps 175. With the far right calling another march in late November, we plan to build on our success and look to have even greater numbers to oppose them next time
Weymouth
Love Music Hate Racism on Saturday 25th in Weymouth organised by young people in the local area was packed!
Plymouth
In Plymouth on Sunday 26th, 100 anti-racists opposed 120 far right activists organised a ‘flags’ demo. Nazi salutes (photographed) and 4 known Britain First activists were on the demo.
Upcoming activity:
– Saturday 1st November – Plymouth ○ Plymouth March for Unity & Hope. 12 noon, City Centre, Plymouth
– Saturday 1st November – Gloucester ○ Gloucester – refugees are welcome here, humanity not hate. 12 noon, IBIS Hotel, Barnwood. Called by Gloucester Solidarity Network
– Sunday 2nd November – Tavistock ○ Tavistock Rally for Unity & Hope. 12 noon, Bedford Square
WALES
Instagram: Anti-racists mobilise in Rhoose
Rhoose
The far right could only muster 8 people in Rhoose, after around only 13 turning up last week. No matter, over 50 anti-fascists turned up to once again out number them.
“Reform’s hammering in Caerphilly and the far right’s pathetic attempt to gain traction in South Wales shows that we can turn the tide. That we can argue for a politics of hope, not fear”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE MONITORING GROUP
On the morning of Tuesday 21st SUTR activists in the Monitoring group became aware that far right activists were, through various social media platforms including Facebook and Telegram,
organising much more widely to mobilise for a march in Southampton on Sunday 27th. As a result, the monitoring group was able to send information to local activists and to advise them of the heightened far right activity in relation to this protest.
Later on that day, Tommy Robinson tweeted to his followers advising them to attend.
Where possible, information on far right activity can provide local groups with the information they need for stewarding, safety and scale of mobilisations.
On Sunday, Southampton anti-racists showed the true representation of what Southampton stands for (see report on Southampton above for how local activists mobilised against the far right)
