Far right thrown out of Newcastle

Anti-racism demo 18.3.17, photo Mary Finch (Click to enlarge)

On 29 July Socialist Party members found out that remnants of the north east's divided far-right organisations were planning a demonstration in Newcastle city centre. It wasn't long until we discovered them at Grey's Monument.

What made this event completely different was that before any organised left groups appeared, working class people began to challenge the hateful ideas and speech flowing from behind the banner of the 'Northern Nationalists'.

Vile anti-Catholic and anti-Irish abuse was hurled at passing Celtic football fans making their way to a match in Sunderland. Northumbria Police did absolutely nothing about any of the abuse, instead issuing numerous warnings to working-class people expressing revulsion at the hate speech being poured out.

The demonstration ended after only 40 minutes.

We commend all who stood in unity, solidarity and participated in the counter-demonstration which far outnumbered that of the Northern Nationalists.

Many people expressed an interest in joining the Socialist Party, we raised Ł21.87 for our fighting fund and let the far-right know that their ideas will not be tolerated here without a fight!

Northern Socialist Party

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.