A LABOUR MP has attended an anti-fascist demonstration despite reports that senior party figures had instructed their MPs not to do so.
Clive Lewis, who previously said he would like to see progress on outlining democratic routes to a UK republic and an independent Scotland, attended an anti-racism demonstration in Norwich.
Police had been preparing for around 100 far-right protests to take place, although Wednesday evening instead saw thousands of anti-racism demonstrations in towns and cities including Birmingham, Liverpool and Middlesbrough.
Its reported that yesterday Yvette Cooper ordered Labour MPs not to attend anti-fascist demonstrations. @labourlewis ignored the order and stood with his community. pic.twitter.com/oh1VvIMzZM
— Saul Staniforth (@SaulStaniforth) August 8, 2024
Journalist and National contributor Owen Jones reported that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the party’s Chief Whip Alan Campbell ordered Labour MPs not to attend anti-fascist demonstrations.
Speaking to Sky News, Lewis, the MP for Norwich South said he attended the “peaceful” protest.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere. It was one of the everyday people of Norwich, coming together, standing together, because like millions of people across this country, they’ve been absolutely appalled at what has materialised and transpired on their television screens and social media over the last week,” he said.
“You know, the racist and fascist thugs that have been rampaging across this country, they’re a minority.
“But last week, they looked like they were the majority but I think from the pictures you’re showing and what we saw in Norwich, what we have seen in Northampton, from what we’ve seen in Walthamstow, in Finchley, in towns and cities and communities across the country, we are the many, they are the few.
“And I think that was made really clear here in Norwich tonight. And yes there were people who we know were fascists who turned up tonight but they were outnumbered.
“It was a peaceful protest. We wanted to show our solidarity and support to the asylum seekers in the hotel that were behind us.
“I spoke to some of the people that worked in the hotel, some of the guards. They understood why we were there, they were grateful that we were there and it was really a show of support to say that they’re not alone and that actually we do stand together when things like this happens.
“I’m very proud tonight to be the MP for Norwich South, very proud to be a part of that and very proud to stand with my community in the face of this monstrosity frankly.”
