Thousands take to streets of Central London to march against racism
By Adam Davidson
Thousands of people took to the streets for an anti-racism march across London on Saturday.
The march was part of UN Anti-Racism Day, which saw international protests taking place in cities around the world, including marches across London, Glasgow and Cardiff.
It was estimated that about 10,000 protesters took to the capital’s streets in a show of solidarity against racism, especially in light of recent events where a black teenage girl, known as Child Q, was strip- searched at school by police.
The march, organised by Stand Up to Racism, assembled at BBC Portland Place at midday and walked towards Parliament Square for the end rally.
At Parliament Square, guest speakers addressed the crowd, including Labour MP Diane Abbott and author Michael Rosen.
The march coincided with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which takes place annually on March 21, marking the date of the Sharpeville Massacre. In 1960, when police in South Africa opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid.
The theme for this year’s UN event was ‘Voices for Action against Racism’, which calls on everybody to ‘listen closely, to speak out loudly, and act decisively.’
Sabby Dhalu, from Stand up to Racism, said: “As we saw with the outrage at the racism subjected to England footballers last year, the majority of the population is anti-racist.
“This demonstration will help make the anti-racist majority voices heard. At a time of Europe’s worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, rising electoral support for Donald Trump, far-right and fascist organisations in Europe, the World Against Racism demonstrations could not be more timely.
“We will say loudly and clearly that all refugees – from Ukraine, Afghanistan to Eritrea – are welcome here.
“We must stand up to the horrific racism that prevented African and Asian people fleeing Ukraine. We will say no to Fortress Europe and no to racism.
“The march will send solidarity to Child Q and all those who have suffered at the hands of police institutional racism.”
Pictured top: People on the march on Saturday (Pictures: Stand up to Racism)