Sheffield stands firm against racism and thuggery.

Sheffield was at its best on Saturday with a fantastic display of opposition to the racism and thuggery we saw earlier in the week. Here are some of the speeches.

My favourite moment of the rally was this speech from Rev Huw Thomas, from Christchurch Pitsmoor, who clarified that we should call these riots the #FarageRiots.

It was also good to hear from Maulana Shoaib Desai, a local Iman.

Sheree from the NEU gave a powerful speech. “We can not ignore the fact that years of irresponsible rhetoric from politicians and sections of the media has threatened our social cohesion and progress towards a more equal society. Islamaphobia is having a devastating impact on our students. When politicians make anti-Muslim remarks it isn’t just harmful to Muslims it affects everyone in our society. “

Abtisam Mohamed MP for Sheffield Central, defied her Labour leadership by turning up and speaking at the rally.

Melinda from City of Sanctuary gave an important contribution explaining how unsafe asylum seekers feel in our city. “If they attack one of us then they are attacking all of us, because we are one community, the people of Sheffield.”

Sam Moorcroft from the Trades Council gave a thundering speech calling the attempt to burn down the hotel in Rotherham “a shameful violent act by shameful violent people.”

Musheir El-Farra from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said “Asylum seeker rights are a human right. It’s a basic human right. The real enemies are the big powers that are exploiting people in other areas, to the level of making their country poor and making lives in their country impossible.”

Cllr Nabeela Mowlana, who represents Arbourthorne Ward, said “Everyone deserves the right to live free from fear or discrimination.”

Sheffield Green Party were invited to speak but unfortunately, the message didn’t get through. They are supporting the anti-racist movement too.

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