March to nowhere?

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re-blogged from Brighton Anti-Fascists

It’s been a busy weekend for Brighton Antifascists, despite the March for England not even trying to hold their annual crap-fest of a march this year.

The weekend began early with “Pompey” Dave Smeetyon (leader of March for England) and about 10 of his sad looking mates turning up in town  on Thursday to celebrate St Georges day by doing a quick photoshoot on the pier then spending the rest of the evening hiding in the beer garden of the King & Queen, checking nervously over their shoulder in case antifascists turned up. Despite various threats they didn’t try going within 100m of the Cowley.

 

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On Saturday, some Brighton Antifascists made the long journey to Blackpool to oppose the actual, relocated, March for England, alongside 70 or so antifascists from London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and further afield.

Despite lots of big talk beforehand about hundred and hundreds of nationalists turning up, only about 40 actually made it to the march, with other, smaller groups wandering between pubs. Around 25 yards into their march, antifascists blocked the route, leading to the police turning the MfE around and ending their march. That was it, 40 people marching 50 yards in the pouring rain. Even the “commie hunters” who didn’t go on the main march failed, getting themselves nicked after trying to start a fight with some antifascists right in front of the old bill.

Sieg Heils at the “family friendly, not racist” March for England.

The march was notable for the fact that, despite organiser’s promises of a “family friendly, non-racist” day, neo nazis and white pride wankers were everywhere. Even fascist wannabes National Action turned up, took a photo (and a nicking) and went home again.

National Action looking kinda sad.

Even the fash are admitting it was a terrible day. Far-right facebook pages are full of posts complaining about the whole day being a washout, including this gem:

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And this one:

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After the “demo” was over, antifascists marched the route the fascists hadn’t managed to complete, took a quick photo, then headed home, safe and with no arrests.

The victorious antifascist bloc.

On Sunday, StopMfE hosted a community picnic on the Level in the centre of Brighton, celebrating Brighton being fascist and racist free for the first time in several years. Various activist and community groups had stalls, tea and cake was served and people generally celebrated not having to yell at and confront Nazis. Despite threatening the event, far-right bottle-jobs “Pie and Mash Squad”, surprise surprise, totally bottled it.

The Level is fascist free.

Even though the weather wasn’t great, we had a good day networking and talking to people about anti-fascism (and flogging t-shirts!). All in all, a busy couple of days, but very successful. It’s worth noting that some fascist groups have already stated their intent to come back to Brighton next year, so I’m sure we’ll see you all on the streets soon.

AFN National Callout: Stop the March for England April 27th

Humiliated in previous years in Brighton, the racist March for England are this year calling on as many EDL splinter groups and outright Nazis as they can to bolster the numbers on their annual parade.

Accordingly the Anti-Fascist Network is urging all anti-fascists to head to Brighton on the 27th April to support the mobilisation to Stop the March for England.

Brighton has become a line in the sand for the far-right. Because Brighton is a relatively liberal cosmopolitan city, they see it as a hotbed of “anti-English activities”. They hate Brighton and they know that Brighton hates them, but they keep coming back because they cannot be seen to back down.

This year’s March for England has the added significance that it is a national outing for the newly formed far-right alliance the United British Patriots, which hopes to be the successor to the EDL on the streets. Now is the time to stand up to them before they have the opportunity to achieve this ambition.

A big show of strength in Brighton will send a clear message to this new alliance of fascists and to the far-right in general that the people of Brighton will never accept a far-right parade to go through their town unopposed.

All anti-fascists should mobilise to support them. All out for the 27th in Brighton!

Details

Meet Sun 27th April, Palace Pier roundabout, Brighton seafront to line the route of the march.

Time TBC nearer the date.

Contact your local AFN group for details of any transport to Brighton.

For information from the streets in advance and on the day:

Twitter: @stopmfe

Facebook

Web: stopmfe.wordpress.com

Phone: 07870 306788

Email: stopmfe@ymail.com