**Urgent Meeting: 350 Activists Unite Against Surging Far Right**
UPDATE: Over 350 activists gathered in London today, uniting at the annual general meeting of Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) to strategize against the alarming rise of the far right in the UK. As extremist groups gain momentum, including Nigel Farage’s Reform UK polling at 30 percent, the urgency to combat this trend has never been more critical.
The meeting, held earlier today, brought together delegates from local groups, trade unions, and various organizations, all highlighting the need for a coordinated response to rising racism and xenophobia. SUTR national organizer Samira Ali expressed a mix of despair and hope, emphasizing that solidarity among diverse communities is key. “To get to any of us, you have to get through all of us,” she stated, referencing the growing unity among marginalized groups.
The far right’s activity has surged dramatically, with Tommy Robinson leading what is now considered the largest far right demonstration in British history last month. This uptick in extremism has coincided with a troubling shift in political rhetoric, as the Labour Party faces criticism for aligning with far right narratives, particularly regarding immigration policies that disproportionately affect migrants and refugees.
Diane Abbott, a prominent left-wing MP and president of SUTR, condemned those who participate in far right demonstrations, declaring, “If you are marching behind a known racist, don’t tell me you aren’t racist.” She urged the Labour Party to confront these issues head-on, arguing that silence only empowers extremist views. “When Labour copies Reform UK, all we do is give legitimacy to it,” Abbott warned.
Activists from across the country shared their experiences and strategies for mobilizing support. One care worker highlighted the devastating impact of Labour’s new immigration rules, stating, “People are losing their families. Their way of life. Their homes.”
Participants discussed the necessity of building stronger coalitions, with one activist from Leeds sharing insights from their recent successful counter-demonstration against the far right, which saw 3,000 people take to the streets. “We are going to leapfrog from one unity demo to another,” they affirmed, emphasizing the power of collective action.
Workshops at the AGM explored various avenues for organizing, including workplace anti-racism initiatives and plans for a nationwide demonstration against the far right in March 2026. Lewis Nielsen, SUTR anti-fascist officer, stated, “The mobilisation in March can put us on the front foot and give confidence to the anti-racist majority in Britain.”
As the threat from far right groups intensifies, the message from today’s meeting is clear: unity and action are essential to counteract these dangerous ideologies. For those interested in joining the fight against racism, visit standuptoracism.org.uk for more information.
This urgent gathering serves as a rallying cry for communities to stand together against hate and division. The time to act is now.
