Recent unrest across Britain serves as a stark reminder of two enduring truths: first, that fascism can resurface when nurtured by sympathetic voices in the press, the hard right of the Conservative Party, and movements like Reform UK; and second, that when faced with the resolute opposition of the people, these fascists often reveal their fundamental cowardice.
In recent weeks, tens of thousands of anti-fascists and anti-racists took to the streets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, peacefully protesting and quelling the far-right mobs that had threatened to emerge. Notably absent from these scenes were the fascist provocateurs, whose bravado crumbled in the face of mass resistance. Scotland, meanwhile, remained free of such disturbances, underscoring the limited reach of these far-right elements.
Among the figures attempting to exploit the current wave of far-right sentiment is Reform UK MP Lee Anderson. Anderson’s posturing, particularly his flip-flopping on the Conservative Party’s controversial Rwanda Bill, has been well-documented. After initially opposing the bill, Anderson ultimately abstained from voting, citing the mockery of Labour MPs as the reason for his change of heart. His indecision highlights the hollowness of the bravado often displayed by those who align themselves with the far right.
This pattern of cowardice is not new. It has been witnessed before, most notably during the infamous events in London’s East End in 1936. On October 4th of that year, the British Union of Fascists (BUF), led by Oswald Mosley, planned a march through the predominantly Jewish neighborhoods of the East End. The BUF, donning their black shirts and attempting to mimic the disciplined formations of their Nazi counterparts, sought to intimidate and provoke the local population.
However, the BUF’s efforts were met with overwhelming resistance. Despite Mosley’s grand ambitions, only around 5,000 fascists turned up for the march. In contrast, up to 310,000 anti-fascists, union members, and locals mobilized to oppose them. The massive show of strength forced Mosley’s supporters to retreat under police protection, ultimately redirecting their march to Hyde Park. The so-called “Battle of Cable Street” became a defining moment in British history, demonstrating the power of mass mobilisation against fascism.
The role of law enforcement in these events has been a subject of controversy. During the 1936 march, police arrested far more anti-fascists than BUF members, despite the overwhelming public opposition to Mosley’s group. This pattern of uneven policing has persisted into the present day. During the recent unrest, reports emerged of far-right agitators receiving lenient treatment compared to Islamist extremists, raising concerns about double standards in the enforcement of public order.
The events of Cable Street also highlighted the importance of solidarity across different communities. Among those who stood against the BUF were antifascist Muslim Somali sailors, who joined the Londoners in their fight against Mosley’s thugs. This spirit of unity has been mirrored in the recent protests, where people from diverse backgrounds have come together to oppose the resurgence of the far right.
The parallels between the present and the past are striking. In 1934, just two years before the Battle of Cable Street, Daily Mail proprietor Viscount Rothermere penned an article titled “Hurrah for the Blackshirts!” endorsing the BUF. Today, certain segments of the media continue to amplify far-right voices, often under the guise of impartial reporting. Yet, as history has shown, public opinion can turn against such extremism, especially when it becomes associated with violence and lawlessness.
The lessons of Cable Street remain relevant today. When ordinary people unite against the forces of hate, they can achieve remarkable victories. As the events of the last few weeks have demonstrated, mass mobilisation remains a potent tool in the fight against fascism. By standing together, Britain can once again send a clear message to those who seek to sow division: they shall not pass.
