The recent scenes on the streets of many of England's towns and cities have been informative. The emboldened far-right in large numbers targeting attacks on minorities followed by even bigger numbers of a visible anti-racist community. What next?
It’s not over - and we cannot be complacent in Scotland. The far-right actions did not come from nowhere, they are linked to mainstream politicians pandering to a xenophobic agenda.
Democratic Left Scotland stands in solidarity with those opposing racism and fascism. We need to be aware of local, European and global dynamics. We extend our support to those taking action in England, and in Northern Ireland. We need to be vigilant and respond to all attacks on community, democracy and diversity.
The manipulation of the tragedy in Southport reflects the worst in our society: scapegoating, the promotion of hate and the indulgence in violence.
None of this is accidental. Far-right ideology and actions are intended to distract from the causes of inequality and poverty. Targeting Muslims and Black and minority ethnic communities is intended to cause fear and alarm. This is built on everyday racism and misogyny.
The left, the trade union movement and progressives in civil society need to build and rebuild alliances with the communities that are under attack.
We need to move quickly when support is needed and spaces require to be defended. But we also need to build longer-term societal defences too. An intersectional left needs to become a reality. It needs to be relevant in workplaces, educational institutions and in geographic and non-geographic communities. Mainstream technocratic responses will not be enough.
Democratic Left Scotland calls for attendance at the STUC-supported demonstration on Saturday September 7th at 12 noon, George Square, Glasgow. A range of organisations have organised for, and/or signalled solidarity with this rally. This should be seen as a starting point for renewed and ongoing activity.
Published 11 August 2024.