Hundreds gather in Manchester to oppose far right

HUNDREDS of anti-racists marched through Manchester over the weekend to oppose the far right. Protesters were accompanied by chants and music, with trade unions, students, faith groups and campaigners supporting the action by Stand Up to Racism. Women Against the Far Right led the march, which started at All Saints Park at noon and passed through Albert Square, where Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s “Number 10 in the North” is located. Ahead of the action, the PCS union said: “In the last few years, we have seen a shocking growth of the far right spreading fear, division and hatred. “We want to show how proud we are to live in Greater Manchester because of its cultural diversity … [and] to show that there is an alternative to the racism and despair of the far right.” Protesters marched to Manchester city centre, where a rally was held. Fire Brigades Union regional chair Lee Hunter told the crowd that Reform UK’s policies would not help workers, saying: “Fascists are trying to divide us so that they can take more power.” He urged for united class action against rising hate. The Together Alliance is hosting two summits, North and South, to build power and plan action against the scourge of racism peddled by the right. DANIEL KEBEDE urges mass participation Once again Tower Hamlets is being targeted by anti-Islam campaigners, this time a revamped and radicalised version of Ukip — the far-right event is now banned by the police, but we’ll be assembling this Saturday to make sure they stay away, says JAYDEE SEAFORTH