On Saturday, Brighton & Hove showed what we all already knew: that our city is anti-fascist. That hate is not welcome here. Not now. Not ever.
Brighton & Hove Greens were proud to be a formal part of the Carnival Against Fascism coalition of groups that came together in advance of Saturday. We’re prouder still of the thousands who turned up and stood firm when it mattered most, bringing together all parts of our city and our struggle – the people, businesses, and communities who make Brighton & Hove what it is.
Serious questions must be asked of why the police turned their aggression on peaceful counter-protestors while repeatedly trying to force a path for fascists who were completely outnumbered. Our members saw or were subjected first hand to pepper spray, riot tactics, police violence and intimidation. The police chose to escalate rather than resolve the situation, by refusing countless opportunities to funnel the fascists back in the station and send them home.
In spite of this, Brighton & Hove stood firm once again. But the fight against fascism must be won on all fronts – not only on the streets or in elections, but with every conversation, every single day. We must stand for a better, hopeful alternative, and we’ll continue to do just that – to fight for environmental, racial, economic and social justice, and to build a better world for all.
If any of our members, or members of the wider community, were affected by this violence please feel free to reach out to Brighton & Hove Green Party for support. You are not alone.