Corbyn joins hundreds of campaigners for Cable Street march

Demonstrators at the Cable Street march. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

The Labour MP joined members of religious groups, trade unionists and members of other left-wing groups yesterday for a march to celebrate the actions of East End residents 80 years ago.

Campaigners also used the occasion to highlight a rise in racist and anti-Semitic offences in the city since the vote to leave the EU.

Sarah Sackman, from the Jewish Labour Movement, called on people to challenge racism and anti-semitism, ‘wherever we find it, including in our own ranks’.

Jeremy Corbyn, speaking after the march, told how his mother was in Shadwell on October 4, 1936, when Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts were prevented from marching through Cable Street by anti-fascism protesters.

A demonstrator releases a smoke flare. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

“One woman stood there along with many others and she told me all about it,” said Corbyn.

“That woman was my mother. She stood here with so many others because she wanted to live in a world, as we all do, that is free from xenophobia and free from hate.

“Those that stood here in 1936 did an enormous service.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was also in attendance and stressed that the events in Cable Street 80 years ago remain as relevant as ever in today’s current political climate.

“80 years after The Battle of Cable Street we must not forget its lessons. Hope and friendship trumps fear and division,” said the Mayor.

“By working together, playing together, studying together, having a shared set of common values and laws that are clear and progressive, our communities can unite and stand together against anyone who seeks to divide us.”