Thousands march in East London to mark Battle of Cable Street anniversary

Thousands of protesters marched through East London on Sunday to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street. The demonstration began at Tower Hamlets Town Hall and concluded at St George's Gardens in Cable Street.

Commemoration of Historical Stand

The marchers carried placards bearing messages such as 'Stop Islamophobia, Stop the far right' and 'No to: Antisemitism, Islamophobia, all racism'. The event commemorated the 1936 confrontation where demonstrators prevented Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists from marching through the East End.

Participants included trade unions like Unite and organisations such as Jewish Bloc for Palestine. Some banners referenced the historical event with the slogan '1936 they did not pass. 2026 they will not pass'.

Political Statements Made

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the gathering, criticising 'racist language used today by Farage and Reform'. He stated that anti-racism requires opposition to all forms of racism, particularly noting the rise of Islamophobia promoted by the far right across Europe.

Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman also spoke, emphasising the borough's diverse community. He drew parallels to the 1930s, stating, 'The fascists, the far right, will never run riot in Tower Hamlets'.

A brief confrontation occurred between some marchers and two counter-protesters displaying 'Campaign Against Antisemitism' flags.