News / Bristol Patriots
Renewed calls to counter Islamophobic hate march
A far-right group called the Aryan Front is expected to join a ‘United Against Extremism’ march in Bristol on Saturday.
The group deny they are neo-Nazis, calling themselves “racial socialists”, but their posts on social media are overtly racist.
The expected presence of the Aryan Front at the latest march organised by Bristol Patriots has further spurred antifascists to organise a counter-demonstration to oppose both groups; with one Bristol MP also describing the Bristol Patriots march as being Islamophobic.
Bristol Patriots have previously gathered outside hotels housing asylum seekers – photo: Rob Browne
In a poster promoting Saturday’s march, Bristol Patriots included symbols of several religions but not Islam.
However, their Facebook event said: “This is not a stand against Muslims, who are our neighbours, colleagues and friends. It is a stand with all peaceful people against extremism in any form!
“Our faiths may differ, but we share core values: the sanctity of life, the rule of law, freedom of conscience and respect for others!
“These values built the Britain we love – and they are worth defending together! Let us speak with moral clarity, reject hatred, protect the vulnerable and stand united.”
Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy has joined the calls against the next Bristol Patriots event.
Writing on Facebook, McCarthy said: “It is clear from the publicity that this is targeted against Muslims, and they are trying to co-opt other religions into their Islamophobia.
“I have been speaking to representatives of local faith groups, who utterly reject this and will sending out a strong message that attempts to divide us will not succeed.”
Counter-protesters have always outnumbered Bristol Patriots at their rallies in the city centre – photo: Rob Browne
Writing in the Bristol Cable, novelist and screenwriter Nikesh Shuka implores anyone who can “to turn up in our hundreds to support our Muslim friends and neighbours”.
Shukla said: “There is no unity that is exclusionary and it’s clear who the Bristol Patriots aim to exclude. Their attempt to launder their image is laughable and deeply cynical…
“There is nothing compassionate, loving, dignified or judicious about this callout from the Bristol Patriots.
“This divisive gaslighting angers me so much.
“So I hope to see as many of you as possible on the 7th March, standing against Bristol Patriots and their hateful agenda.”
Main photo: Rob Browne; video: Martin Booth
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