Around 1500 anti fascists and 600 supporters of the fascist English Defence League mobilised in Manchester City Centre yesterday. Divided by lines of police, some in riot uniform with dogs, the two groups protested in Piccadilly Gardens between 12-5pm. Three anti fascists were badly injured by the police, one with a broken arm, one with a broken nose and one mauled by a police dog.
Student demonstrators came from Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford, Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds.
Not so long after the arrival of the EDL, the fascists were chased down Oldham Street.
Divided by police lines in Piccadilly Gardens, at the heart of the city centre. What the picture doesn’t show is several of the EDL sieg heiling to provoke the anti fascists. One EDL kept bending to the floor in a mime of Muslim prayer. Others brandished the Israeli flag.
One EDL banner read “Black and White Unite”- fairly laughable, coming from a sea of white faces. There was only one woman with the EDL in Piccadilly.
Revolution flag flying in Piccadilly!
The fascists also demonstrated outside the Printworks, at the other end of Market Street. Although all in all they were far outnumbered by anti fascist demonstrators, the day was certainly not an outright victory, with the EDL getting the opportunity to demonstrate exactly where they wanted in full view of the media.
Related post: English Defence League in Muslim Marriage Blunder
I like the pictures and a fairly balanced piece of reporting.
Whilst the antifascist demonstration was not a complete disaster, the EDL did succeed in having a demo.
What is definitely needed is the left to unite not only against the fascists but to start to work together to present a credible socialist alternative in supporting workers’ struggles, supporting those who are oppressed, united fightbacks against cuts, job losses, privatisation etc. to show that fascism is a complete dead end and that uniting the working class has tangible results.
Whuch is why it would be good to have a socialist forum in Manchester where people on the left- in any group or no group- can discuss and plan practical solidarity action e.g. for the postal workers.
Jason
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