Stand Up to Racism March Against Fascism: Central London, 1 February 2025

A Photo Essay

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Another grey London Saturday. Another day to worry about the rise of the far-right across the globe.

In Waterloo, a group of far-right activists who supported imprisoned, Tommy Robison, gathered to chant for his freedom. Robinson is known for founding the far-right, patriotism group, English Defence League, and for spreading false information that incited riots and violence in Southport last summer after 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, a black teenager from Cardiff, killed three young girls. [BBC] Many of the rioters believed the killer had been an immigrant. This was used as a catalyst to blast xenophobic beliefs without researching where the killer was from, and how nationality and race had nothing to do with the sadistic attacks.

Near Green Park, a counter-protest organised by the anti-racism group, Stand Up to Racism, marched to Whitehall to protest against Tommy Robinson’s ideology, antisemitism, islamophobia and other far-right beliefs that have spread over from the US in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s second term as president commencing.

As the marchers chanted ‘SAY IT LOUD, SAY IT CLEAR, REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE”, drum beats fused the air with music, vibrancy and liberation as protesters sang to stop hate and embrace diversity.

A flare goes off as we approach Leister Square. Londoners, day-trippers and tourists stare as protesters pop their bubble. Some may see them as a bunch of hedonists. Others cheer and clap for the protesters fighting for what they believe in.

The individual who let the smoke flare off, releasing red smoke into the atmosphere, is arrested on the spot. Many protestors are opposed to his arrest; likening the police to Nazis in their chants.

The marchers represent a rainbow—a diversity of races, ages, nationalities, and, specifically, cis and trans people. I see this march as a safe place for all. The protesters are open-minded and operate on a system that revolves around helping fellow humans and opposing the values that Trump’s America is pushing globally.

And terrifyingly enough, it is beginning to mirror the UK’s future.

As masked, hooded individuals march whilst holding a sign reading ‘Never Again’, likely against past fascist regimes such as Apartheid South Africa and Nazi Germany, their comrades pull a wagon behind them transporting a fridge-sized stereo blasting house music. Protesters, whilst scared of what the future

may hold, bop and dance to music, lighting up London with soul and colour.

For many of us, the world feels like it’s in a dark place. Tommy Robinson’s influence, Trump’s America driving towards a fascist state and Reform’s rising popularity in the UK pose a threat to liberal and open-minded values that have made the world a more accepting place for a variety of individuals.

Whilst we may be scared of what’s to come, marchers at the Stand Up to Racism protest remind themselves to have a good time.

They’re not here to incite hate, or to bash you for contrasting beliefs. Attendees woke up on Saturday morning and decided that today was the day to stand up for what they believe in. And, in the long run, strive towards making the world a better place.

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Photographic notes:

Shot on Kodak Portra 800 Professional Color Negative Film

35mm

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*Originally published on Punky Daydreams' Substack, 8 February 2025