Brief statement on fascist riots
We are expecting numerous disruptions today to normal life in the region. Disruption to normality is essential for moving towards and creating a better world, but we cannot and will not stand by when this disruption’s locus is racist, Islamophobic and fascistic.
One thing that the last 6 days has shown is our region’s resilience, at the local level, against fascist agitators who wish to hurt our neighbours. In Sunderland, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Darlington, communities have turned out, particularly the Muslim community, to protect themselves and combat the racist violence directly affecting them. We implore people to stand with them, listen to and respect the people who are directly affected by the current violence. Be led by their needs. Be open, honest and strong.
The violence we are seeing on the street is a direct manifestation of the British government’s border policy; it is the State’s violence come home. Labour’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, that won them the general election with a paltry vote share, is directly responsible. As a group we have stood with communities and other organisations against migrant detention, against fascist rallies before, working towards a world free from racial, sexual and class violence, and we will continue to do so, but do not let yourself be led by one group, one organisation. Listen to those affected, work with the conditions as they come, work with your neighbours and look after yourselves. We will try to provide the best and most reliable updates as we can over the next week.
Solidarity with everyone affected. Let’s work together to smash fascism in the North East.
