Anti-racists unite to face down fascists

Trade unionists, students and anti-fascist campaigners flooded in to the Welsh city from across south Wales to drown out the racists' attempts to spread their message of hate.

Around 60 fascists, carrying swastika-style white pride flags and giving nazi salutes, gathered in a failed attempt to stir up racial tension on what they proclaimed was Britain's "first 'white pride worldwide day' demo."

But the fascists faced frustration after being bussed the short distance from Swansea train station to the site of the demo - where they found themselves penned in by police and cut off from public view by the massive counter-demonstration.

Anti-fascists spoke passionately in both Welsh and English of the need to defeat racism wherever it occurs.

English veteran anti-racism campaigner and Neath Labour MP Peter Hain urged a new generation of activists to "take on and defeat the National Front as we did in the '70s."

Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins added that it was vital to "stand up against such activities in this day and age.

"I don't think it's good enough for us to say 'we should ignore them'," she said.

Swansea East Labour MP Sian James drew inspiration from the famous Battle of Cable Street between anti-fascist activists and Oswald Mosley's blackshirts, declaring: "No pasaran - they shall not pass."

Speaking just yards from Swansea's Waterfront Museum, Ms James said the city's proud maritime tradition was built by people from all over the world who came to work in the city's port and docks.

Swansea became Britain's second City of Sanctuary for people fleeing war and persecution in 2010.

Swansea University Students' Union black students officer Keryn Jalli said: "I'm here to say that I am home - this city is my home and I'm not going to let people like them destroy it."

Swansea council leader David Phillips revealed that he had tried to stop the racists gathering in the city.

"The law wasn't on our side on this occasion," he said.