Hastings Rejects Racism
Hastings rose to the nationwide challenge of violent anti-immigrant protest last week with three anti-racist gatherings.
In the week beginning 5 August a message was circulated on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram naming the addresses of 39 offices of immigration lawyers across the country at which protest demonstrations were to be organised on the evening of Wednesday 7th. These included an address in Cambridge Road in Hastings. Attendees were advised to “mask up” and “be there or be cowed”.
Given the intimidatory violence of recent anti-immigration protests in Southport, Sunderland and elsewhere, an appeal was issued by Helena Dollimore MP, Hastings Borough Council leader Julia Hilton, and faith leaders for any objectors to this protest not to come out. Some businesses took no chances and closed early on the day. However, several hundred local people attended a rally organised by Hastings Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), gathering outside ESK on Cambridge Road in a celebratory party atmosphere. Community activists chanted and sang for almost two hours, hearing speeches from former deputy council leader Maya Evans, current councillors Paul Barnett, Yunis Smith and Becca Horn, and from James Ellis of the National Education Union (NEU).
In the event no anti-immigration demonstrators emerged.
Simon Hester, SUTR secretary and chief steward for the event, said: “We rejected the appeal for us to call the protest off. It would be utterly irresponsible of us to cancel it at the last minute… Many people would turn up anyway, putting them at real risk. More importantly, the way to defeat the fascists is to isolate them with ever larger numbers. There was no way we could stay at home.
“Frankly, it’s a bit rich for the police and national politicians to urge passivity in the face of far-right thuggery. Our community was under threat. Racism and Islamophobia spouted in parliament led to racism and Islamophobia on the streets. There has been a relentless campaign to scapegoat refugees, migrants and Muslims for years. We cannot rely on the politicians or police to defeat the racists. The only way to do it is to stand up as a united community, face down the small groups of fascists and challenge the wider racist narrative.”
The counter-protest on Wednesday followed another display of solidarity on Sunday 4 August when Hastings Mosque received an email threatening an attack that afternoon. They contacted SUTR and 60 people quickly mobilised to defend the mosque if necessary. Councillor Yunis Smith, a member of the mosque committee, said: “I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who came in solidarity with us today. It was truly amazing to see so many people come out to stand with us.”
Maya Evans, chair of Hastings SUTR said: “Our movement must challenge racism and promote a fairer society for everyone. We need hope, not despair.”
On Saturday 10 August, over 200 people rallied in Hastings to mark a National Day of Protest called by SUTR to “stop the far right”, protest recent “right-wing violence” and show solidarity with marginalised groups. The Kid Kapichi drummers began an event which included speeches from, among others, Jenny Sutton of the NEU and local singer and activist Lily Kim. With many families in attendance, there was again a carnival atmosphere.
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