Plan C: Manchester needs an antifascist strategy

On the streets and in public office, the racist, misogynist and anti-socialist far right has been gathering strength across the world. In the UK we have seen large numbers of people drawn into their marches through our towns and cities. Racist and authoritarian ideas framed as concerns about freedom, women’s rights and freedom of speech have become common.

As feminists, leftists, internationalists, queers, anti-racists and anti-fascists, we need to work together to find a way of halting the rise of the far right locally, nationally and internationally. Despite amazing work from Sister Supporter, attempts to harass women attending an abortion clinic in Fallowfield have continued. Counter-demonstrations in Liverpool and London have reminded us that we can overpower and outmanoeuvre the right, even while recent marches in Manchester have been met with only token opposition. Last year’s Irish referendum success for Repeal has been followed by defeat over reproductive rights in Argentina. We’re not winning every time.

Any antifascist strategy must also be a feminist strategy. We have invited three speakers to discuss their experiences of feminist organising against the far right. We invite you to come, meet comrades, and join a Manchester-wide mobilisation against the far right.

Manchester needs an antifascist strategy, and this meeting is a step towards developing it. Join us.