Organisers say far-right activists have been targeting local bus companies
An anti-racism rally is being held in West London this weekend after what organisers describe as a “targeted staking out” of local bus companies by men in balaclavas.
The demonstration will take place at 12pm at Hayes and Harlington Station on Saturday, November 14. Residents, trade unionists, educators and community campaigners from across Hillingdon and North West London are expected to attend.
One organiser, who wishes to remain anonymous due to alleged threats to their safety, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that “far-right activists” in balaclavas have been staking out local bus companies, including one in Perivale, and intimidating local people.
They said: “Far-right groups have been going along to coach companies … in West London, small groups of men have turned up and they are trying to highlight the fact or possibility that these coach companies are being used by the Home Office to move migrants… filming people, workers going in and out.”
They added: “These coach companies transport kids on school trips… but these issues are not the only reason we’ve called this rally. We’ve called this rally to draw attention to the kind of dangers of the far-right, and to say to our community, we are a united front.
“We can be from any ethnicity, any background, UK born or whatever. We are one community, and we should talk to our neighbours.”
Speakers at the event include Labour MP John McDonnell, representatives from Women Against the Far Right, and National Education Union including local educators, alongside a broad coalition of community and trade union organisations.
Councillor Rick Rowe, Green Party councillor for Chiswick Riverside, told the LDRS that the targeting of coach companies believed by these men to transport asylum seekers is “deeply concerning”.
He added: “Nobody should have to face racism and intimidation. I’m attending [the] Stand Up to Racism rally tomorrow because we all have a responsibility to stand alongside people being targeted.
“As a local councillor, I want people to know they can count on me to speak up. I’ve been asked to speak at the rally, and I hope people from across London will join us.
“It’s a chance to stand with our neighbours, celebrate the diversity of our communities and show that everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome here. Standing up to racism is something we all have a part in.”
A spokesperson for the organisers said: “This rally is about showing that racism and division do not speak for our communities.
“Across Hillingdon and North West London, people are coming together to stand for solidarity, democracy and respect. Our message is simple: when we stand together, we are stronger.”
Organisers say that the event is intended to be “family-friendly, inclusive and welcoming to all who support equality, anti-racism and democratic values”.
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