‘We need to mobilise the anti-racist majority and continue to get them out on to the streets,’ said Felix.
By Jude Mckechnie
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Saturday 27 June 2026
Thousands marched in Edinburgh against Islamophobia and racism (Pic: SUTRScotland on X)
Edinburgh sent a clear message on Saturday—our streets belong to us, not the racists.
Some 5,000 people marched in Leith for the Reclaim Our Streets demonstration, determined to show that the hatred and violence seen in recent weeks will be met with solidarity and resistance.
The protest came after a shocking Islamophobic attack that has left many people fearful.
Last week, a man attacked five men leaving a mosque with a large weapon. The man shouted Islamophobic abuse as he was arrested and claimed he was “doing this for his country”.
Following the attack, trade unionists, anti-racists, students, community campaigners and local residents stood shoulder to shoulder, united behind a simple message—we will stand together against those who seek to spread fear and hatred.
Felix, an activist with Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) in Edinburgh told Socialist Worker, “What is driving this he violence is real despair.”
“We’ve had years of austerity and neoliberalism. And sadly this is being diverted by right wing demagogs to attack migrants and to deflect from the real causes of problems,” said Felix.
He added, “Reform UK’s Nigel Farage is happy to keep us fighting among ourselves while he and his mates continue to profit.
“Farage called for ‘pure cold rage’, after the murder of Henry Nowak and today’s march in Edinburgh was a response to that.
“Today shows that the majority of people in Edinburgh and Leith are anti-racist.
“It is the job of anti-racists to mobilise them and continue to get them out on to the streets,” said Felix.
Many black people, Muslims, migrants and refugees are scared, angry and understandably concerned about what comes next. Some are questioning whether it is safe to walk their own streets, travel home at night, or go about their daily lives without fear of abuse or attack.
That is exactly what the far right wants.
They want people to feel isolated and alone and to retreat into silence.
Sophie, a student in Edinburgh who attended the protest, told Socialist Worker that there was a minute’s silence on the march for all victims of racist attacks.
“We were out to say that immigrants in our community are loved, wanted and respected. We are all willing to come out and fight for their safety”.
Racism is encouraged by politicians who scapegoat migrants while failing to tackle low pay, crumbling public services and the cost of living crisis.
The far right feeds on that division. But it can be stopped when working class people organise together.
History shows that racism and fascism can only be beaten when mass movements deny them the confidence to organise and when workers refuse to be divided.
Saturday’s mobilisation is an important step, but it must not be the last. Every workplace, college and community should build the anti-racist movement.