In pictures: Together Alliance anti far-right protest
Muslim leaders join more than 100 faith organisations, charities and trade unions in a show of unity against far-right parties
Tens of thousands of people gathered in London on Saturday to protest against the British far right and racism. The march was organised by Together Alliance, which represents a number of groups, including faith organisations, trade unions, charities and campaign groups, as a response to the September rally held in the capital by the far-right activist, Tommy Robinson.
The demonstration was attended by several politicians, including Zach Polanski and Mothin Ali from the Green Party, independent MP Diane Abbott, Labour’s Apsana Begum, and Your Party’s Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana.
Many of the demonstrators called on solidarity with Palestinian, Iranian and Sudanese people, while the rise of Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia was also singled out by many protestors.
Among the supporters of Together Alliance are a number of Muslim organisations, mosques and public figures, including the Muslim Council of Britain, Islamic Human Rights Commission, East London Mosque as well as the singer Nadine Shah.
While organisers of Saturday’s march said as many as 500,000 people had attended, the Metropolitan Police estimated numbers to be closer to 50,000, adding that precise figures were hard to determine.
Anti-war protestors Iran Solidarity Bloc, who oppose the ongoing US and Israeli bombardment of Iran, had a big presence.
Reform UK, which has a consistent lead in the polls, was among the key targets of the protest.
The march was led by a number of MPs and and high-profile figures, including Richard Burgon (Labour), Corbyn (Your Party), Ali (Green Party), Polanski (Green Party), Sultana (Your Party) and Begum (Labour).
Organisers said their movement was built “on solidarity and unity in face of division”.
Two protesters were arrested by the Metropolitan Police, after they climbed the columns of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square with flags reading “hope” and “love”. A further 18 protesters were arrested for alleged support for Palestine Action, out of a total of 25 arrests.
Hundreds took part in the protest to show solidarity with Palestinians and Iranians.
