UK fascists set the country ablaze with pogroms—until anti-fascists fought back

Misinformation and a tragic mass stabbing, which killed children in the English city of Stockport, sparked violent far-right disorder across England and Ireland from July 30 to Aug 5. Online misinformation falsely attributed the Stockport stabbings to a Muslim asylum seeker, fueling a frenzy of organized racist attacks across the country. Within days, multiple cities witnessed the worst unrest since the 2011 riots following the police shooting of Mark Duggan. The word ‘riot’ is being used frequently in the UK press at the moment. However, it would be more accurate and chilling to call this what it is: a violent pogrom against ethnic minorities in Britain.

The unrest has led to the resurrection of the ‘Muslim Defence League’ in places like Bolton. These groups, made up of brave locals, try to outnumber the fascist mobs in their communities and clash with them on the streets while defending their homes and mosques from attack. The Real News reports from London on the upsurge in violence, and speaks with local anti-fascist groups about how they are fighting to put out the fascist flame that has spread around England.