Thousands march against far right in London in biggest ever multicultural protest | UK news
Tens of thousands of people gathered in London to march against the far right in the largest multicultural demonstration in British history.
Organizers claimed half a million people traveled to the capital for the Together Alliance march. Police estimated attendance at close to 50,000, but admitted it was difficult to judge because the crowd was dispersed.
Starting from Park Lane, more than 100 charities, campaign groups and unions marched through Whitehall to Trafalgar Square in a show of unity against far-right politics.
The protest was in response to Tommy Robinson’s “unite the kingdom” rally, which saw 110,000 people march in central London in September.
The event was supported by a wide range of celebrities, including actors Christopher Eccleston, David Harewood, Lenny Henry, Steve Coogan, Toby Jones, Lolly Adefope and Maxine Peake, musicians Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church, Brian Eno and Beverley Knight, and comedian James Acaster.
Dozens of coaches came from all over the country, including 10 from Manchester alone.
Performers watched performances by Self Esteem, Jessie Ware, Katy B, Joy Crookes, UB40 and Hot Chip.
The speeches of Labor Party MP Diane Abbott and Green Party leader Zack Polanski drew great reaction from the crowd gathered in Whitehall.
“Go back to your communities, your community centers, your unions, your friends, your neighbors,” Polanski told the crowd.
“We need to organize in our communities. Local elections are coming in a few weeks,” he added.
“We will defeat hate. It is time to normalize hope again.”
Attendees showed off some of their best costumes, including Jesus and the Grim Reaper.
Woody, who is a member of the group Cut Ties with Fossil Fuels and wears a Grim Reaper costume, told the Guardian he came “dressed like Big Oil”.
“Big Oil is one of the biggest funders of Reform UK,” he said. “We are here to make the connection we need to cut ties with fossil fuels.
“Big Oil’s tentacles extend into many industries, and those targeted by the Cut Ties with Fossil Fuels movement are those who support the fossil fuel industry.”
He added: “I’m in my mid-fifties now and I hear people talking about left and right in a way I haven’t heard since my school days.”
He said it was important for the left to unite and work together, which was something the right did well “despite huge differences”.
“It’s a numbers game in a way. It’s really important to send a message. So I’m really excited to be here today and be a part of something much bigger.”
Numerous other environmental groups were also present. Red rebels from the Extinction Rebellion marched silently in the opposite direction of the march, wearing white painted faces and red robes. They said they were drawing attention to climate change.
