The Statement

Across the UK, racism and intolerance is on the rise. Angry demonstrations demanding the removal of refugees and migrants are commonplace. In many cases, those orchestrating these demonstrations are members of far right and fascist groups.

People like Stephen Yaxley Lennon (Tommy Robinson) have a long history of trying to build a fascist movement, from the British National Party, to the English Defence League and the Football Lads Alliance. They feed off real concerns about housing shortages and public services decimated by years of cuts and twist them into scapegoating migrants, refugees and Muslims.

The march in London orchestrated by Robinson on 13 September 2025 was the biggest mobilisation led by the far right that the UK has ever seen. It also showed how international far right figures including Elon Musk and Steve Bannon, are working together and financing the work to build a fascist street movement in the UK. 

History shows that vicious racism is not the only feature of fascist movements. Their targets also include LGBT+ people, women, disabled people, socialists, trade unionists, progressive movements and campaigns. While still comparatively small, fascist groups are growing and infecting the atmosphere in our society.

As racism, hatred and intolerance increase, so do threats, abuse and physical attacks. Fascism feeds off people becoming frightened and intimidated. Over recent months we have seen examples in Portsmouth:     

• Politicians, campaigners, and their families, have been threatened and had vile lies spread about them on social media.

• People showing support for migrants living in the city have had rocks and ball bearings thrown at them and been threatened with rape.

• Social media campaigns to get trade unionists who make a stand against racism and fascism disciplined by their employers.

• Attempts to shut down public meetings and peaceful legal demonstrations.

• Physical assaults and racist attacks carried out near to far-right demonstrations.

The signatories to this statement do not agree with each other on many things. Different views and beliefs are an essential part of the diversity we celebrate. But we are united about:

• The urgent need to take action to defend democracy and universal human rights. 

• Refugees and migrants are not to blame for the problems in our society.

• Diversity, multi-culturalism and inclusiveness are worth defending.

• Racists and fascists will not intimidate or divide us.