What next to win the fight against racism?
by Mihaela Ivanova, Tower Hamlets Socialist Party
Thousands flooded Whitechapel chanting “whose streets? Our streets!” on Saturday 25 October.
Socialist Party members from across London joined local community groups, young people and trade unionists in a counter-protest against the now-far-right Ukip’s “mass deportations tour”, originally set to march through the multiethnic East London borough of Tower Hamlets.
Days beforehand, under pressure from the obvious scale of the coming counter-protest and from Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman, the police were forced to ban Ukip’s hate march from entering the borough. Ukip were too terrified to enter East London at all, instead choosing to march through Knightsbridge, one of the poshest parts of the capital — what a victory for the working class!
Working-class anger against racism was reflected in the 5,000 who came out. There were big numbers from the local Asian community, with some groups clearly organised to defend their area if needed.
Importantly, there were also some groups of trade unionists with their banners. And it’s very positive that Rahman — and his ‘Aspire’ party, linked to Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘Your Party’ and which leads the council — put their authority behind this rally.
But there are lessons to consider too. A bigger, bolder mobilisation by London union leaders would have sent an even stronger message of unity of the whole working class against racist division.
Council workers in Tower Hamlets Unison, one of the largest union branches in the borough, had brought together other trade unionists to build for the counter-protest in workplaces, and plan longer-term community campaigning.
The main organisers, however, were the mayor, and the ‘Stand Up to Racism’ group. Unfortunately, local trade unionists struggled to get their democratic weight recognised in discussions with them. April Ashley, member of Unison’s national executive council, was also turned away. Reportedly, even local left MP Apsana Begum was not allowed to speak.
The market and road were kept open as usual on the day, contrary to reported plans. Even ambulances — supposed to be diverted — had to navigate through the crowds until police accepted reality.
Stewards reported they were given no leadership on the day. Had local trade unionists — better organised, accountable, knowing the area — been granted control instead, this and other problems could have been avoided.
The majority of the crowd never got near the platform. Its main speakers were Jeremy Corbyn and Lutfur Rahman, alongside faith groups and ‘Stand Up to Racism’. Tower Hamlets Unison had argued to include trade union and community campaign speakers, but organisers opposed this.
However, they had at least agreed that Tower Hamlets Unison could speak — then on the day, even that didn’t happen. Len Hockey, secretary of the fighting Unite union branch at the hospital next to the rally, also asked to speak — and was turned away. Unfortunately, all this meant a big, energetic rally — which had already scored a victory — didn’t get to hear a trade union voice proposing next steps.
Tower Hamlets Socialist Party will continue working with local trade unionists towards that planned community campaigning against racism and the austerity conditions it breeds in. And with more funding cuts looming, workers’ candidates standing against all austerity and for building a fight for the funds Tower Hamlets needs will be essential in May’s council elections.