Swindon Stand Up To Racism calls for 'unity, not division'

Swindon Stand Up To Racism has made the call in light of recent riots seen across the country.

In response to the disorder, a group of anti-racism campaigners in Swindon stood in unity against rumoured protests on August 7.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We need unity, not division.

"We need people to understand that poverty, hunger, unemployment, the cost of living crisis, lack of affordable housing and the state of our NHS are not caused by immigration or refugees fleeing to safety.

Swindon Stand Up To Racism (Image: Swindon Stand Up To Racism)

"The politicians and the rich and powerful are only too happy to see the working class fight amongst ourselves, rather than blaming those that are responsible for these conditions.

"It’s an age-old strategy to spread disinformation and division, scapegoating black and minority ethnic communities.

"We stand against all forms of racism and discrimination and are inviting Swindon residents, organisations, councillors, MP’s, faith groups and unions to join our movement."

The group is also urging residents to sign a statement issued by Stand Up To Racism.

The statement called on people to "stop the far right" and to "unite against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism".

It said: "Fascist riots have taken place in towns and cities across Britain leading to attacks on mosques and hotels housing migrants."

It accused Tommy Robinson of "mobilising" more than 15,000 people in Trafalgar Square on July 27.

It also said the "far right are spreading racism, Islamophobia and hatred".

It continued: "Robinson and others are attempting to exploit the horrific knife attack in Southport to stir up Islamophobia and sow division by spreading misinformation about the attacker’s identity.

"Racism and Islamophobia in Parliament is leading to racism and Islamophobia on the streets."

Suella Braverman was accused in the statement of having "emboldened this latest iteration of fascist mobilisations" with "inflammatory rhetoric" such as her claims of an “Islamist” threat, policing “double standards” and refugee “invasion”.

It commented on a rise in support for right wing politicians across Europe, such as Marine Le Pen in France.

It added: "The far right are a threat to all decent people. We are the majority, they are the few.

"Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We can defeat them again. We must Stand Up to Racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism.

"We must unite and mobilise against the far right and fascism."