Brighton Socialist Party expresses our support and solidarity with Unite Against Fascism and those attending their 'In Defence of Multiculturalism' public meeting on Tuesday 5th April, which was attacked by members of the English Defence League. Socialist Party members, along with others present, helped to defend the meeting against this attack.
It is a duty of socialists to defend every meeting, demonstration, organisation and individual against attack from far right, racist and fascist organisations. We will continue to do this alongside UAF and the rest of the trade union, socialist and left movement.
However, we would like to make it clear that we disagree with the inclusion on the UAF platform of ex Labour Party Councillor Simon Burgess. Whilst we recognise his early work with the Anti-Nazi League, and commitment to working with anti-fascist organisations, we must remember that the local Labour group spearheaded an attempt to privatise council housing in the City. It is important to recognise that anti-working class policies such as this allow such far-right groups to exploit such feelings of alienation. It is important that any movement against the far-right, racism and fascism adopts an approach rooted in a class analysis.
The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, standing in Hollingdean and Stanmer, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, East Brighton, and Hanover and Elm Grove in the forthcoming local elections can be a step to allowing a democratic defence of working class interests.
The fight against the far right, racism and fascism must be conducted on the basis of a mass mobilisation of people, and trade unions must ensure that as well as funding or affiliating to anti-fascist groups, they must also wage a serious mobilisation against this threat to the entire working-class.
After the events of last years St George’s Day Parade and the August Bank Holiday demonstration we feel it is important for a democratic discussion to be had amongst the left as to the tactics that need to be employed at this years event, and we hope that a consensus can be reached as to how different groups work together to defend against these abhorrent attacks.
In solidarity,
Brighton Socialist Party Wednesday branch
Brighton Socialist Party Thursday branch
