The organisation behind Saturday's anti-immigration march in Brighton has blamed Sussex Police for what it called a failed operation, as community figures, councillors, and the city's MP lined up to celebrate what they see as a decisive rejection of the far right.
South East Patriots, who organised the Stop the Boats demonstration, released a statement in the aftermath of 13 June expressing frustration with how the day was policed. The group claimed to have liaised extensively with Sussex Police in advance, described their planned exit route as having been locked, and suggested officers were absent at key points during the day. They also claimed some supporters had been unable to reach the gathering point after encountering counter-protesters and police near the station.
The statement sits in stark contrast to what was happening on the other side of the police line.
Both groups had begun gathering near Brighton train station from around 10.30am. South East Patriots assembled outside The Railway Bell pub. Counter-protesters gathered on the opposite side, divided by lines of officers. There were clashes during the morning: witnesses described scenes that were, in the words of one eyewitness, "getting a bit violent," and one person was seen being tackled to the ground by police.
As the day progressed, the protests spread across the city. The Carnival Against Fascism, a coalition of more than 20 anti-racist organisations, moved to block the far right's route along Queens Road. Smaller groups gathered at points throughout the centre, with large sections of the crowd dancing to live music.
Norman Cook, the Brighton DJ better known as Fatboy Slim, was among them. He said he had never been more proud of his home town. "More disco. Less fascism."
Carnival Against Fascism organisers said they were proud of the city's turnout, stating that however the day had unfolded, people had shown up for each other.
Brighton Pavilion Green MP Siân Berry called it another example of Brighton massively outnumbering an attempted fascist march. Council leader Bella Sankey had set the tone before the protest even began, making clear that the far right's message was not welcome in Brighton.
As Scene's Jamie Strudwick wrote on Saturday, the city provided the blueprint. The question now is whether others can follow it across what is shaping up to be a very long summer.
Images: © Scene Magazine
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