Eighty years ago today, tens of thousands of people stood as one and say no to fascism. They blocked Cable Street and stood together against the Blackshirts who sought to march and spread hate. The tide of British fascism was stopped that day in 1936, and attempts to whip up hatred in the then predominantly Jewish part of East London.
No pasaran, they said, as they manned the barricades. No pasaran, they said, as Mosley’s troops failed to pass.
It’s eighty years since one of the pivotal moments in modern British history. Key to the anti-fascist struggle. Key to how our country held firm against the rising tide of hate stalking Europe at the time. And key to how a community and a nation’s radical campaigners came together to defend the rights of those under attack.
So today we celebrate Cable Street on the 80th anniversary of that most important of days. But the story of Cable Street is more important right now than ever before, because once again our nation stands on a precipice. In the aftermath of the Brexit vote in June, there has been a surge in racist attacks. Toxic phrases like “go home” are hurled with venom at those born here and those who have built their lives here. Many of the battles we hoped we had won against racism, fascism and xenophobia are here to be fought once again.
And so, once again, we must come together, and say no pasaran.
To those who would seek to divide us, to whip up anti-immigrant sentiment – no pasaran.
To those who wish to spread hate, who lie to poison the public well of national debate – no pasaran.
And to the modern Backshirts of the EDL and Pegida, who want to bring hatred and intimidation to the heart of our communities – no pasaran.
The spirit of Cable Street must live on today, now more than ever. The purveyors of hate are not clad in black shirts today, but they still want to attack immigrants, racially abuse and attack and impose their ugly views on the rest of us.
So we must still stand together, and say with one voice – no pasaran.