The Rise of the Far Right Will Not Go Unchallenged – An account of the November 1st counter protest

Across history, Britain has seen the threat of fascism rise, and every time it has been resisted. This weekend’s counter-protest against Tommy Robinson’s supporters in London was not just a local battle, but part of a wider fight against growing far-right extremism. In 1936, working-class communities stood against Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts at the Battle of Cable Street. In 1977, the Battle of Lewisham saw anti-racists blocking the National Front from marching. History has taught us that the far-right must not be left unopposed, and this weekend we saw that resistance in action. 

On Saturday, 5,000 far-right demonstrators took to the streets in support of Tommy Robinson who is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court. This rally is a part of the far-rights strategy to use media to amplify their rhetoric and gain legitimacy through public protest. Their ability to mobilise significant numbers reflects a worrying trend where mainstream politics, especially factions of the Conservatives and the press, has normalised xenophobic, Islamophobic, and nationalist rhetoric. The media’s role in giving attention to these campaigns can’t be underestimated as it works to fuel this narrative of victimhood fundamental to their beliefs. Their rally, held near Waterloo Station before moving towards Parliament Square, was a shadow of October 26th where 25,000 marched. They were outnumbered. 

Thousands that took to the street were joined by the 'Stop The War Coalition'

In response, Stand Up to Racism, 17 trade unions, students, activists and politicians from the greens, labour and independents organised a strong counter with thousands who were determined to send the message that fascism has no place in Britain. The protestors were united by a common goal and from the start, it was clear that we were not merely an opposition but the dominant force on the streets. We were a united front, a diverse coalition who saw the rise of figures like Robinson as a direct threat to the values of solidarity, equality, and community. 

The significant decline in numbers for the far-right reflects growing divisions in their movement. Tensions between factions like Robinson’s supporters and figures like Farage who distanced himself from Tommy’s more extreme rhetoric exacerbated this internal fragmentation making their movement weaker and less unified. The protest showcased Islamophobic chants of “Allah, Allah, who the f**k is Allah?” and calls for a “deportation programme” for those who don’t ‘assimilate.’ This is part of a larger plan to stoke fear and division with influential figures like Musk and Trump amplifying Robinson’s platform, increasing the accessibility and perceived normality of his views. Despite their emboldened rhetoric, the weakened mobilisation tainted with internal friction suggests slowing momentum. But with wealthy backers and social media support we cannot simply let this lead to complacency, here the question arises. How sustainable is this resistance? Is it enough to simply oppose the far-right, or does the left need a stronger, more coherent political agenda to challenge its root causes? 

Great diversitiy within the counter-protestors

Despite the far-right's attempt to gain ground, it was the anti-fascists who dominated the day. Thousands of counter-protesters gathered, chanting “Whose streets? Our streets!” and waving banners of ‘No Pasaran’ and ‘Smash racism’. The demonstration was not just about Tommy Robinson, but the broader, more dangerous ideology he represents. One counter-protester I spoke to stated: “This isn’t just about Tommy Robinson but what he represents. Although the far right is on the rise across Europe, we’re here to show that in Britain, they won’t go unchallenged.”  

The difference between the two sides was stark, while theirs seemed to be hostile and divisive, ours was unified. The counter brought together people from many backgrounds—students, trade union members, long-time anti-fascist campaigners, and even families with their children. As one protester who was a retired train driver put it: “I fought the NF [National Front] in the ’70s and I’ll fight these lot now. We beat them then, and we’ll beat them again.” 

People have joined together to stand up to Tommy Robinson, echoing the disgrace of Oswald Mosley

Throughout the day, police maintained a heavy presence, erecting barriers and keeping the two groups apart. Although there were still moments of tension with three far-right protesters being arrested after entering the counter-protest zone, and a total of six arrests made for public order offences. Despite their best attempts to intimidate, the reality that they were shrinking, and we were growing was clear. 

The Political Repercussions 

This weekend’s mobilisation sent a strong message, the decline in turnout on their side suggests a loss in momentum, despite the increase in media attention and reactionary politics across Europe. The strength of the counter and the relative silence of mainstream political figures raises uncomfortable questions. Why have so many establishment politicians hesitated to take a firm stance against far-right mobilisation? Many argue that politicians legitimise extremist views by tolerating this rhetoric, and as the far right continues burrow into mainstream discourse, the question of responsibility becomes urgent. Their attempt to reassert themselves was met with an overwhelming response from the left highlighting the resilience of Britain’s anti-fascist tradition. The rise of Reform UK and the radicalisation of Tory backbenchers have formed a culture of acceptability for harmful ideas in politics. Yet, as this weekend proved that public sentiment is not on their side showing how Britain does not want to see fascism take root. The issue now is whether politicians will take a stand or whether working people will once again have to take to the streets to do it for them. 

Activists chanting 'Smash the Far Right' at the counter protest

The battle against the far right is not over, if we must have another Battle of Cable Street, then so be it. And as history has shown, when we stand united, we succeed. The far-right’s retreat is not a sign of victory, but an indication that resistance is working. The responsibility to resist not only lies with protesters, but with all of us to ensure that equality, justice, and democracy continue to define the future of our society.