Labour MP Clive Lewis has defied party orders to join an anti-racism protest, raising questions about internal party unity and Labour’s response to rising far-right tensions. Here’s the full story.
Counter Protests Abound
Following over a week of far-right riots which rocked the country, thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets to march in solidarity with the immigrants and Muslims who were the main targets of the racist mob’s anger.
Labour MP Defies Orders
One notable attendee was Labour MP Clive Lewis, who, despite alleged orders from senior party officials that advised MPs against any participation with anti-fascist activists, attended one such protest in Norwich on August 7th.
Labour’s Internal Concerns
According to journalist Owen Jones, senior Labour figures, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, instructed Labour MPs not to attend the anti-fascist demonstrations over concerns that their presence might inflame tensions and that it would not be a good look to see Members of Parliament getting involved in the street brawls that many predicted when the fascist and anti-fascist protesters clashed.
Police Warn Against Protests
A screenshot of a letter, reportedly from the Labour Local Government Team, shared online by Jones, highlighted the pressures on emergency services and emphasised that the police had recommended against counter-demonstrations to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Anti-Racist Protests Across UK
Thousands of anti-racist protesters took to the streets across the United Kingdom on Wednesday evening, staging peaceful demonstrations in cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool, and Middlesbrough.
Far-Right Protesters Absent
However, the anticipated far-right protests, which had been a severe concern for law enforcement, never turned up. Instead, the overwhelming presence of anti-racist demonstrators sent a strong message of defiance against the growing far-right, anti-immigrant sentiments which had been so visible over the last few days.
Clive Lewis Speaks Out
Speaking to Sky News, Clive Lewis was vocal about his reasons for attending the Norwich demonstration, stating, “It was a fantastic atmosphere. It was one of the everyday people of Norwich coming together, standing together, because, like millions of people across this country, they’ve been absolutely appalled at what has materialised and transpired on their television screens and social media over the last week.”
“We Are the Many”
He added, “You know, the racist and fascist thugs that have been rampaging across this country, they’re a minority. But last week, they looked like they were the majority but I think from the pictures you’re showing and what we saw in Norwich, what we have seen in Northampton, from what we’ve seen in Walthamstow, in Finchley, in towns and cities and communities across the country, we are the many, they are the few.”
Defying Party Rules Again
This is not the first time Lewis has raised eyebrows by skirting the increasingly strict rules from Labour leadership to members, councillors and MPs.
Oath of Allegiance Protest
Upon being sworn into Parliament following the 2024 election, Lewis changed the wording of the oath of allegiance to the King all MPs must take before they are allowed to vote.
Hoping for a Republic
Lewis stated, “I take this oath under protest and in the hope that one day my fellow citizens will democratically decide to live in a republic.”
Striking a Conciliatory Tone
He finished the rest of the oath, adding, “Until that time I do solemnly sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, according to the law.”
Proud to Stand With Norwich
However, following his attendance at the counter-demonstration, Lewis struck a more conciliatory tone, stating, “I’m very proud tonight to be the MP for Norwich South, very proud to be a part of that and very proud to stand with my community in the face of this monstrosity frankly.”
Party Divisions Highlighted
Despite how proud he was of his attendance at the counter-protest, Lewis’ decision to participate in the Norwich protest has highlighted some of the divisions within the Labour Party regarding how to respond to the rise of far-right extremism.
Stance Against Racism
While some within the party may view his actions as a necessary stance against racism and fascism, others might see it as a breach of party discipline, potentially undermining Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Centrist-Left Tensions
Though undoubtedly an innocent gesture, the incident has brought into focus the ongoing tensions between the party’s centrist and left-wing factions.
Anti-Racist Success
However, despite the internal tensions, many in Labour and on the left will no doubt be enthused by the widespread anti-racist demonstrations and, in comparison, the relatively small number of far-right protesters.
Standing Against Racism
Despite Labour’s trepidation around how to respond to the far-right violence, Clive Lewis’ decision to attend the counter-protest suggests that, at least for some MPs, the imperative to stand against racism may outweigh party directives.
Future Party Strategy Uncertain
However, it remains to be seen whether this decision signals a potential shift in the party’s approach to dealing with far-right extremism in the future.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matthew Wardell.
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