Dover – Solidarity and Kettled Nazis

from https://antifascistnetwork.org/2016/04/02/dover-solidarity-and-kettled-nazis/

Today, anti-fascists from across the country stood in solidarity with locals from around Dover to oppose neo-nazis and assorted far-right rejects who decended on the town, once more openly flying fascist flags and seig heiling.

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The AFN had organised coaches from across the country, with groups traveling from Brighton, Berkshire, Oxford, Bristol, Portsmouth and London amongst others. London2Calais also organised transport, as did the UAF. We were met in Dover by a large contingent of locals organised by the Kent Anti-Racism Network.

All in all, around 350 antifascists gathered around a KARN aid convoy to Calais, which, after being filled with donations from locals, was to be sent to the port.

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Several vehicles had been provided, and the plan was for them to be escorted into the port, right under the noses of the fascists. Whilst the far-right bimble around burning EU flags and throwing bacon at mosques, we offer practical solidarity with those fleeing both ISIS and the Western bombing.

After some short speeches, nearly 400 antifascists moved off towards the port, the aid convoy in our midst. Despite the enormous police presence, we stuck together and made it down to the seafront, where the convoy was cheered onto a Calais-bound ferry. The nationalists were powerless to stop us, after all their online bluster about “smashing the reds” and “doing antifa”. Only around 100 to 120 of them actually bothered to come, and they were clearly not interested in making good on their online threats.

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After the convoy was seen off, antifascists quickly moved to block the road and stop the fascists marching. The far-right march route was blocked, and the fascists ended up being stuck in an immobile kettle for nearly two hours, bored out of their skulls waiting for the police to move us out of their way.

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Eventually, inevitably, the police moved in. Kent’s finest seemed determined to facilitate open neo-nazis marching through Dover, despite local opposition. They kettled us and aggressively arrested several antifascists, eventually forcing us back onto one side of the road so they could move the fascists through.

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Then the fascists were finaly marched into view, and what a sorry lot they were. Barely half the numbers of last time, marching slowing in silence, surrounded by a mobile kettle of police for their own protection. They couldn’t even muster a good chant as they went past us, most prefering to keep their heads down and stay silent. Even those few who did make any noise confined themselves to shouting “come on then!” at antifascists from behind 4 lines of police, horses and vans. How brave, lads. They marched past us (with a couple of lacklustre seig-heils), held a few speeches at the docks (in which cypriot immigrant Paul Prodromou burned an EU flag and shouted about “imigants” for a while) then marched back past us (again in silence) and were escorted under extremely heavy manners back to the station and promtly sent packing.

All in all, not exactly a good day for Paul and his fascist mates. They had very low numbers, and it took the combined protection of about 5 different police forces for them to march 500m through town, and even then we held them up for nearly 2 hours! All this plus the fact that we proudly marched an aid convoy to Calais through the centre of town right under their noses, and they couldn’t do jack about it.

We’ll leave you with this utterly hilarous photo of some of the neo-nazis who were in town today. Is it just us or does this remind anyone of kiddies dressing up as power rangers?

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TWO FRONTS IN ONE DAY: HOW FASCISTS WERE CONFRONTED IN BOTH DOVER AND BRISTOL

antifascist blockadeBy now, there have already been numerous reports and articles on what happened in Dover on Saturday. A stinking cocktail of failing and ever-shrinking groupsicles from Britain’s far-right decided to return to Dover for another attempt to ‘send the refugees and migrants back’ and to show their ‘support’ for truckers. Kent Anti-Racist Network, along with support from the national Anti-Fascist Network, organised a mobilisation of our own to send a direct message to these fascist leftovers that their bigotry, single-minded hate and oppressive politics have no place anywhere.

One of many Sieg Heil's as well as the Nazi flag the far-right marched under
One of many Sieg Heil’s as well as the Nazi flag the fascists marched under

BRISTOL ANTIFASCISTS answered the call-out to resist the fascists at the White Cliffs and organised our largest group of militant antifascists to date. Together we joined the AFN and resisted the fascists alongside comrades from all parts of the country. Despite their best efforts, and a constant barrage of posturing propaganda, their numbers have shrunk since the last mobilisation and there was a striking lack of unity between different far-right groups. The infighting observed on Saturday goes to show they haven’t learned how to play nicely together.

Fascist infighting in Dover
Fascist infighting in Dover

It was evident to us that the police had no interest whatsoever in dealing with the vile boneheads or their openly racist chanting and Nazi saluting. We saw many of them complaining bitterly and whinging to the cops, demanding shamelessly that they take action against us. Fascists have a long history of grassing, and this is just another example of how they are enemies of our class.

shitpunchDespite their chest-beating and delusions of grandeur, it was clear to everyone that the fascists got the worst of Saturday’s confrontations. And it would have been a lot worse for them, too, if the numerous coaches of antifascists stopped by cops had made it to the demo. The fascist scum nursing sore heads, injuries and broken teeth this week should think seriously about not coming next time. The bravery, solidarity and effective direct action of the antifascists in Dover was impressive and we are very proud to be a part of it.

A fascist feeling rather down and out in Dover
A fascist feeling rather down and out in Dover

Everything we saw in Dover strengthens our resolve and determination to fight fascism with everything we have, and to each time smash them harder. We cannot allow sieg heiling Nazi scum any space, and we will not sit and watch their racist, hateful attacks on refugees and migrants. Now is the time to get involved, get active and get organised to beat them off the streets.

Meanwhile, back in the West Country… The far-right’s own fancy dress outfit the NEW BRITISH UNION decided to arrange a “mass” gathering of their own in Bristol. Presumably they were hoping Saturday would be a good opportunity to meet in an unguarded city. Unluckily for all forty five… wait, sorry, I actually meant to say five, of these reenactment enthusiasts, antifascists and groups including comrades from the BRISTOL ANARCHIST FEDERATION and CLASS WAR chose to explain a few matters to them about what happens when the far-right choose to mobilise in Bristol. When approached, the NBU tried unsuccessfully to Jedi mind trick their way out of confrontation of any kind by stating timidly that they were not the fascists that everyone was looking for, even after our comrades pulled out pictures of these joker’s faces from the NBU’s own photo shoots. They sought refuge in the Cathedral before being asked to leave there too, doh!

Three members of the 'New British Union' are asked to leave Bristol Cathedral after going there to take shelter from antifascists. (Thanks to Bristol Anarchist Federation for the photo)
Three members of the ‘New British Union’ are asked to leave Bristol Cathedral after going there to take shelter from antifascists. (Thanks to Bristol Anarchist Federation for the photo)

After making quick their escape from this apparent case of mistaken identity, the vast and enormous numbers of the NBU managed to get a triumphant picture of themselves with their vintage flag outside the Will’s memorial building at the University of Bristol before getting the hell out. They say there will be a video and more photos soon, we’re looking forward to seeing that! Master race? You’re ’avin a laugh! Jokers!

CALL OUT: No Nazis in Dover / Solidarity with refugees – January 30th

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On Saturday 30 January neo-Nazis and violent racists from across the UK will head to the coastal town of Dover for an anti-refugee protest. Far-right groups are trying to exploit the “migrant crisis” to whip up racial hatred and bring about ever-harsher controls on those coming to the UK.

Across Europe the far-right have been organising against refugees and encouraging governments to increase their hostility to migrants. While governments close borders with fences and batons to keep those in need out, fascists fire bomb refugee housing. In the UK fascists have tried to organise their own patrols of trucks entering the country, looking for migrants.

This will be the fourth far-right protest to take place in Dover in the last two years. In September an anti-refugee protest in Dover saw more than 200 neo-Nazis rampage through the town calling for the border to be closed. They tried to attack anti-fascists, throwing bricks into crowds including pregnant women and elderly people. Anti-fascists were more than capable of defending ourselves, but the demo served as a reminder to take seriously the threat of fascist violence.

During this time, immediately across the channel, migrants living miserably in ‘the Jungle’ have to endure sadistic attacks from fascist and the police on a regular basis. As usual, the nationalist far-right took advantage of a series of extremely saddening events to spread its xenophobic venom among people and to scare an economically shaken French working class, viciously achieving historic gains in December’s regional elections.

We are calling on anti-fascists from across Europe to join us in organising mass opposition to the anti-refugee protest on Saturday 30 January, to show solidarity with migrants and prevent an escalation of racist violence.

This mobilisation is part of the global struggle between those who wish to see the murderous divisions of nations, borders, and class further entrenched and fortified with razor wire and racist rhetoric – and those who fight for freedom of movement and solidarity among the exploited, oppressed and excluded of the world.

We will be standing with Kent Anti-Racist Network and a growing list of trade union and community organisations to show working class resistance to the neo-Nazis. A victory in Dover on Saturday 30 January will be a victory for the range of movements involved in this fight back.

Organise, make plans, spread the word and see you on the streets!

Keep an eye on the event page for updates and info.

‘That was more like being run than a march…’

This past weekend Bristol Antifascists went on a triple action trip to London and Dover. First up was a visit to a Clapton FC football game which has in recent months developed a solid anti-fascist following which, it has been threatened repeatedly by members of Casuals United and the Pie & Mash Squad. Needless to say their repeated attempts at disrupting games and organising to collectively complain to the FA about political flags and flares has failed, both on the streets and the terraces. We travelled with a goodie bag of gifts from the Easton Cowgirls & Cowboys to solidify the cider soaked hand of friendship between Easton and Clapton and had a great day after a speed eating contest of Pie and Beans with the London Antifascists.


Next up was a public benefit gig with repeat offender Ryan Harvey (who’d played a benefit show for Bristol Antifascists the weekend previously). London Antifascists had recently had to cancel a benefit gig after fascist pressure on a venue had caused it to be pulled, so tonight at the London Action Resource Centre (LARC) a big group of supporters turned up to support London and enjoy a great evening of folk music. Right on time a second car full of Bristol arrived. With a solid crew outside both taking the opportunity to meet friends from around the world and keep an eye out, a great evening was had by all, which passed without incident. After some complex sleeping space negotiations, we travelled back to a friends and all settled down for a well needed rest, gently lulled to sleep by the deep breathing of our comrades.

We travelled early to Dover the next day to confront a march called by the United British Patriots (soon to attempt to march in Bristol) & National Front and after linking up with other Anti Fascists Network groups, moved to the pub the fash had decided to meet at. (You can read the AFN call-out to oppose the ‘secure the borders’ demo here). On arrival it was soon very obvious that we had caught them off guard, as we moved quickly into the road in front of the pub and a few things became very clear, very quickly. The turn out for the ‘Support the Truckers’ march was pitiful, the pub they had retreated into was closed and they had really not done their homework. Sunken faces faced a confrontational and well organised mob of anti fascists. The Kent police began a day of ‘protest facilitation’ and Paul Pitt’s sad face said it all – their careful strategising had got them backed into a empty pub garden of a closed pub/backpackers with police once again protecting them.

As AFN members repelled their witty and well thought out monologues, a strange parade of melancholic characters arrived. They had it all – fascists who looked like they’d arrived at their own funeral, a single handed attempt at a Harry Potter block, Skeletor, crusader’s taking a break, 1970’s caricatures and in general a motley crew of bigots and politically misguided fancy dress attempts. After waiting as long as possible for their numbers to increase from around a pathetic 20-30, the march attempted to head off and was immediately blocked. With the police realising that they could not force the march through, the fascists were abruptly about turned and marched the other way up the street. Anti Fascists quickly changed our tactics and marched the fascists up the road, with them waiting for the police to protect them whenever they became vulnerable.


The AFN block throughout the day worked really well at making collective decisions quickly, and we then quickly changed strategy and went on a little jog around the block and this was the pattern for the next hour or so. Wherever the fascists attempted to march there was concerted and determined blocking, forcing them off the road and onto the promenade. They were confronted and harassed all the way in a walk of shame, and whenever they attempted to physically confront us were quickly “self defence slapped” as they so succinctly put it. Choice moments were taken, improvised methods of attack were used and such chants as “that was more like being run than a march!” and “can you hear the fascists sing? no!!” were constantly heard. After some nifty cross sea wall urban running, we reached the main roundabout at the port which had been the march’s destination. As the police facilitated the fascists posing for a pathetic photo of 36 fascists and an assortment of celtic crosses, National Front flags and posturing we re-grouped and prepared to march them out of town. All the way back to the half empty car park the march was surrounded by anti fascists and police and a suitable metaphor for the whole fascist day was found at the end. In a cunning move, a transit van with 3 fash in the front drove around the block and past the remaining AFN groups making sure they had left. As they slowly drove past shouting abuse and honking their horn, AFN members attacked the vehicle, which then stopped and attempted to reverse aggressively into anti fascists. However, by this point the lightening quick reactions of the Kent constabulary had resulted in police being behind the van, in effect attempting to run over them! As chaos briefly ensued the keys from the van were liberated, the driver was arrested and “shit day” was written on the back. The fascists had to get out and walk home with the knowledge that they had come to Dover, got blocked into a small closed pub garden, ran to the port under attack and run back.

Truly a shit day for them.

We found this one of the best actions we’ve been involved in and were really impressed by the truly solid block. With only one arrest at the end of the day, numerous de-arrests and good tactical decisions made together we left Dover with confidence in each other, the network and the struggle.

Fascists blockade Dover pub garden

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from rabble.org.uk

** 1 banner
** a bunch of airhorns
** a minibus
** all dignity

… These were some of the items a sad crew of 30 assorted fascists lost on today’s ‘Secure our Borders – Support the Truckers’ shuffle round the roundabout on the Dover seafront, opposed by around 40 autonomous antifascists.

The fascist plan to ‘blockade the port’ was promoted by a few obscure fascist groups on their Facebook sites, the demo being designed to coincide with “Sauvons Calais” anti-immigration demo on the other side of the Channel. English Volunteer Force, National Front, and white power flags were spotted on the Dover demo.

As is traditional, the fash gathered in a car park under a grey sky, and on seeing us antifascists retreated to the garden of a local pub – which turned out to be closed. So they were confined to the garden for a pintless hour until they mustered up enough numbers to move.

 

With an escort of Kent police, the Master Race shuffled their way towards the sea front as we dodged trundling lorries and tried to block their path at every turn. It was good to see comrades well organised, fast moving, and looking out for each other at all times – and not a single UAF placard in sight. That the fash were able to leave the pub at all and do their photo op on the roundabout was however a problem – one we probably could have dealt with with larger numbers.

The fascists were eventually escorted back to their car park and left, apparently too dejected to hang about for a celebratory drink. In a final humiliation, one minibus of dimwits thought it would be a good idea to drive past and taunt the antifa mob – whilst stuck at the red lights. The driver, in a panic, tried to reverse over members of the crowd. However the van ended up stopped in the road. The driver was arrested (presumably for dangerous driving) and made to do the walk of shame to the police car, before their minibus was confiscated by the cops. Two of our comrades were arrested – we’re still awaiting news of whether any charges will be brought.

Over on the other side of the channel, the Sauvons Calais demo was banned by the local authority, and comrades there say it was a quiet day with no serious incidents.

 

Other reports of the day:

“English fascists took a beating in Dover on Sunday” Vice

“Dover and out!” Hope Not Hate

“Paul Pitt’s second Dover demonstration ends in disorganised humiliation” EDL News

No one is illegal – oppose the “secure the borders” demo in Dover