Stand Up to Racism has been central to turning the tide against the wave of racism that swept the UK during the summer. More than 200 counter-protests against the far-right were organised in towns and cities around the country.
Our approach, based upon the model of the Anti-Nazi League of the 1970s, and the defeat of the BNP in the 1980s and 1990s and of the EDL in the 2000s, is one of a maximum united front of representative organisations – trade unions, community organisations, faith groups, etc – for the mobilisation of large numbers. We also seek to isolate the fascists culturally, working particularly with Love Music Hate Racism, to draw younger people away from their influence.
This work now is more important than ever. The election of Trump in the US will give a boost to the far-right here. We also have a Parliamentary far-right for the first time in British political history. And although Tommy Robinson has got his comeuppance, he is continuing to build his street movement.
Merseyside SUtR has been central to numerous counter-protests over the last two years. These have included two mobilisations of approaching a thousand, four counter-mobilisations at the Pier Head, and five at the Groves Hotel in Wallasey targeted by the far-right. We have campaigned against fascist candidates in local elections and the 2024 general election, and have published an open letter in the Liverpool Echo against the far-right signed by 600 local politicians, trade unionists and supporters.
We took a coach delegation to the 20k-strong counter-demonstration in London on 26 October.
We are determined to prevent fascism gaining a foothold in British politics.
But this brings costs, for printing, for transport, for event organising etc.
We are asking now for donations to help with these costs from supporters. And every donation matters, no matter how small.
Please donate if you can, and please also share this link and encourage others who are able to do so to donate.
We are fighting for a tolerant, multi-cultural and peaceful society.
Our supporters
"Merseyside SUtR’s new fundraiser is a crucial and pivotal step in the fight against the far-right and racism.
As we have seen with the divisive anti-refugee riots and far-right racist terrorism that swept our streets this summer, there remains a lot of work to do. The incredible work of Merseyside SUtR reminds us that combating hate and bigotry requires a sustained and long-term effort.
By helping to fund local demonstrations and events, we are able to stand together in solidarity to create a more just and inclusive society for all." Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside
"We should all have that right without fear of persecution and ridicule. And the far right is an ever-growing threat to that basic human right. So yes, I am fully behind Merseyside Stand Up To Racism." Wayne Hussey, The Mission
“Liverpool’s got a great record for doing the right thing, and that’s what this is all about. I’m a proud support of LMHR and Stand Up To Racism, and the brilliant work they do. I hope you can support them too, and get behind this - show the world the way! WAH!” Pete Wylie, The Mighty Wah/Wah! Heat
“As the late, great Terry Hall sang, ‘it doesn’t make it alright’. United we can defeat this disease.” Carl Hunter, The Farm
“The Far Right exploited misunderstanding and fear in ‘our world in one city’ inciting riot, violence and injury to innocent people. Many in our communities are terrified because it will happen again. We can’t live in fear like this. We must reach out to our communities, indoctrinated by the far right to blame others. We can’t feel hopeless and do nothing. Please support Merseyside Stand Up to Racism in any way you can.” Chris Bernard, Director of Letter to Brezhnev
"I was born in a city built on multiculturalism and diversity and I am incredibly proud to stand up and say that. When the racists reared their ugly, shaven heads in the seventies and eighties I marched alongside thousands of others in the "Rock Against Racism" movement and the "Anti Nazi League" and I thought the days of fascists on our streets was something I would never have to march against, or protest against, again. I was wrong. They walk among us. They are our neighbours. Our colleagues. They are people we know, maybe some are even our friends. Maybe they have always been there in the shadows but now feel emboldened to share their poison. It's time to pick a side. I know which side I am on. No Pasaran. Ever."
Brian ‘Nasher’ Nash, Frankie Goes To Hollywood