Billy Bragg takes part in massive anti-far-right demonstration in support of Together Alliance

A massive demonstration against far-right politics, hailed as the largest of its kind, filled central London on Saturday, 28 March. The protest, organised by the Together Alliance, unified over 100 trade unions, campaign groups, and charities.

The event featured performances by musicians, including Billy Bragg, Jessie Ware, and Katy B.

“Felt greatly inspired to be among the tens of thousands of people gathered in central London yesterday to protest against a politics that seeks to blame immigrants for all of society's ills,” shared Bragg on a recent Instagram post. “The concerns that people have about the rising cost of living, widening gaps between the rich and poor, an overstretched NHS, the lack of affordable housing, and the effects of the climate crisis cannot be solved by rounding up people of colour and forcing them to 're-migrate'.

“Between now and the next election, there will be politicians of the far right who will bang the drum for re-migration in the hope that no one will ask them how they intend to address those aforementioned problems,” he continued. “Yesterday suggests that the people of Britain will not allow themselves to be fooled by such shysters.”

 

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A post shared by Billy Bragg (@billybraggofficial)

The movement also saw the launch of the Together Against The Far Right alliance, backed by over 50 organisations, artists, and politicians, including Irish acts Fontaines D.C. and KNEECAP.

A diverse range of supporting organisations includes Love Music Hate Racism, Stand Up to Racism, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Trades Union Congress (TUC), Friends of the Earth, Show Racism the Red Card, UNISON, Unite, Stop the War, and the Muslim Council of Britain.

The demonstration garnered celebrity support from actors Christopher Eccleston, David Harewood, Lenny Henry, Steve Coogan, Toby Jones, Lolly Adefope, and Maxine Peake, as well as musicians Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church, Brian Eno, and Beverley Knight, and comedian James Acaster.

The protest occurred just days after the Metropolitan Police resumed arresting protesters for holding signs in support of Palestine Action. 18 people were arrested at a demonstration outside New Scotland Yard on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action.

The protest also took place on the same day as the United States’ record-breaking 'No Kings’ protest against ICE, Trump, and Israel.