Hundreds Turn Out for Anti-racism Protest in Brentford

Far right agitators fail to show up in significant numbers

Counter protest was organised at short notice. Picture: West London Stand Up To Racism

August 9, 2024

A crowd estimated to number 400 turned up as a counter protest to anticipated attack on a building by the Great West Road in Brentford this Wednesday evening (7 August).

The venue appeared on a list posted on the Telegram messaging platform on Monday evening (5 August) of 100 locations across England that were to be targeted.

On Tuesday police had issued a warning to people in Brentford to expect a larger than normal police presence in the area and the local MP Ruth Cadbury and the leader of Hounslow Council Shantanu Rajawat issued statements condemning disorder and supporting the police.

Several shops and other businesses in the Brentford area, which are owned by people from ethnic minorities, decided to close early as they feared being targeted by rioters. Shop owner Sukhvinder Grover told Sky News that the local community was very supportive of his decision to shut.

Harjap Singh Bhangal, an immigration lawyer based in Brentford, said that he and his colleagues had vacated their offices before the agitators were due to arrive on the advice of the police.

Sky, which has a campus in Isleworth, highlighted to staff that those using Syon Lane station to commute to work could be at extra risk and suggested working from home on Wednesday. Other large employers in the area offered support and advice to staff concerned about the possible impact from disorder.

In the event only about a dozen agitators turned up and they were shielded from the vastly larger group of anti-racism protestors by the police.

Despite the relatively short notice, many people responded to a call by West London Stand Up To Racism and other local groups to rally at the location despite police advice that their preference was for people to avoid potential trouble spots.

A Zoom call had been arranged between a number of political and cultural organisations in the area as well a trade union branches during which it was decided to assemble at 7pm, an hour ahead of the expected arrival of the agitators.

The organisers estimate that 400 people turned up. Picture: West London Stand Up To Racism

In the absence of a significant threat, the evening was spent listening to music and speeches with the crowd dispersing cheerfully at 9pm.

Mr Rana said afterwards, “They had promised to be here this evening but they have failed to keep their promise. But we are here in our hundreds and we did not fail to keep our promise.

“We promised them that we would always welcome asylum seekers and refugees, and we will defend them as well as our Muslim brothers and sisters, and day after day, till we have beaten this new threat from the far right.

“ ‘I have been fighting against racism and fascism now for 55 years and, through Anti Nazi League, Unite Against Fascism, Sikhs Against the EDL, and Stand Up To Racism, we have always beaten them, whether they called themselves the National Front, the BNP or the EDL.”

Once the threat had receeded speeches were made and music played. Picture: West London Stand Up To Racism

The Brentford demonstration mirrored a number of other counter protests across England in places such as Walthamstow, Bristol and Sheffield, where groups threatening attacks on hotels hosting asylum seekers or immigration advice centres were massively outnumbered or simply didn’t show up at all.

There were no arrests reported in the Brentford area on Wednesday although one person was detained in Hounslow for possession of an offensive weapon. 14 others were arrested across London in relation to the planned disorder mainly in Croydon where police say the rests were of criminals rather than individuals with any sort of political motivation.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said,‘We put thousands of officers on the street last night.’

"The show of force from police - and frankly the show of unity from communities - together defeated the challenges we have seen’’

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said on Wednesday afternoon, "We have more than 1,300 public order officers ready to deploy across London today in addition to thousands already working in our communities.

“We will not tolerate any disorder and will make arrests.

"We are also using a range of specialist teams including mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers.

"We will be using retrospective facial recognition to help officers identify those behind criminal disorder. This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks.

"Our thanks goes to Londoners who condemn the hateful and divisive behaviour which is fuelling significant concern among our communities.

“Everyone can play a role by not sharing inflammatory online speculation and giving our officers space to undertake their important duties.

"We also ask parents to think carefully about where their children are today and in coming days. No-one wants to be caught up in potentially violent and criminal behaviour.

"It is our privilege to be part of a city pulling together at an uncertain time. You will see more officers on patrol. If you are concerned, or need help, speak to them. They are there to help."