exeter is For Everyone rally
Stand up to Racism Exeter (SutR) organised a rally on Bedford Square in Princesshay, Exeter on Saturday 25th October described as ‘Exeter is for Everyone’. The intention is to show support for minorities in Exeter and that cultural diversity should be celebrated.
Stand up to Racism is a collection of local organisations including trades unions, political parties, community groups, students, professionals and activists. It was formed to ensure the far right do not have free rein to distribute their propaganda blaming minorities and refugees for the plight of the working class.
The Exeter is for Everyone rally on the 25th was initially inspired by the opposition to the British First (the neo-fascist group founded by ex BNP members) proposed ‘Unity’ march down Sidwell St. Sidwell St is one of the more multi cultural streets in Exeter boasting a range of cuisines from around the world. Devon and Cornwall police recognised the provocative nature of the proposed route and, demonstrating a remarkable sense of humour, allowed the far right to assemble in Dixs Field.
Once the decision had been made to keep the Sidwell St safe, SutR decided to focus on a family friendly fun event on Bedford Square as opposed to a counter march. There were stalls representing some of the groups involved and a performance area for music, dancing, poetry, speeches and other entertainment. There was a short break as the ‘Unity’ march shuffled past on the High Street in a brief display of hate and abuse.
Over 1,000 people attended the rally demonstrating their opposition to racism, bigotry and hate. A mere 202 attended the so called Unity march. They were kept to the pavement by a watchful police presence and moved so slowly that an accurate headcount was easy to carry out. The most frequent chant from the marchers was ‘Keir Starmer’s a wanker’ which aptly summarises the thought process of those involved. A chant of ‘whose streets, our streets’, more frequently heard on climate activism marches, was met by derision by those outnumbering them by at least 5 to 1.
