Fascists in the west country have escalated their activities with a series of attacks and threats against anti‑fascists.
An anti‑fascist fundraiser in Bristol was attacked last weekend, and further threats have been made against a Together fundraiser due to take place in Tavistock, Devon, tomorrow.
Held at bay
The Bristol event, featuring local anarcho‑ska outfit Spanner, was targeted in the afternoon while the band were midway through their set. A small group of anti‑fascists initially held the attackers at bay until more people from the local community arrived in support.
Fighting broke out, leaving several people injured and one man requiring hospital treatment. Bottles were thrown, and running clashes spilled into neighbouring streets.
Police arrived and helped drive back the attackers.
Around 20 fascists, dressed in dark clothing, most masked and hooded and waving Saint George’s cross flags, attempted to force their way into the venue.
Bristol Patriots
Some were identified as members of Bristol Patriots, while others had travelled from Devon.
Police made several arrests on the night, though they have not confirmed whether those detained were connected to the far right.
Despite the disruption, the fundraiser achieved its aims: raising money, building solidarity and demonstrating that Bristol’s anti‑fascist culture remains resilient in the face of intimidation.
This is plainly part of a concerted effort by west country fascists to launch a campaign of intimidation against local anti-fascists and anti-rasists.
Exeter far-right organiser Jordan Rowe posted on Facebook recently that: “We on the Right Declare a full Scale WAR against Any Antifa member or Organisation “
A Stand Up To Racism campaigner had been assaulted in Exeter the previous day, and fascists are now reported to be planning an attack on tomorrow’s Together UK fundraiser in Tavistock, a small market town on the edge of Dartmoor.
Nigel Murfin, Britain First’s west country organiser, is heavily involved in this particular plan.
Local anti‑fascists are organising to protect the event.
This is going to become more common. Anti-fascists have to begin to take more seriously the question of safety and security around our events.
