Reader’s letter: Southampton you’ve already spoken up, now join the National March Against the Far Right

By Southampton Stand Up To Racism. 

Southampton has done something remarkable over the past year: we’ve put the far right on the back foot.

When the far‑right Southampton “Patriots” began targeting refugees outside the Highfield House Hotel, many people across our city were deeply concerned. But instead of looking away, residents stepped forward. Week after week, people gathered in Portswood to stand with refugees and migrants and to show that organised racism would not go unchallenged here.

Southampton Stand Up To Racism has been part of that effort, but it has never been ours alone. Trade unionists, faith communities, students, neighbours, parents, pensioners – people from every corner of the city – helped ensure that the far right is now reduced to a small, isolated fringe.

And when we marched from Portswood to the Peace Fountain, hundreds joined us to send a clear message: Southampton is a city of welcome.

We know many In Common readers have supported this work—by sharing posts, attending protests, joining our marches, or simply speaking up for fairness and dignity in everyday conversations. That support has mattered. It has helped shape the kind of city we want to be.

Now we are asking for your support once again.

On Saturday 28 March, people from across Britain will gather in London for a National March Against the Far Right – a march for love, for hope, and for unity. It is a chance to show that the hostility directed at refugees, migrants and minorities does not reflect who we are, and that there is a broad, compassionate majority in this country who believe in welcome and solidarity.

We want Southampton to be there in strength.

Southampton Stand Up To Racism is organising coach travel from the city. Many people have already booked and one coach is almost full, but we are aiming to fill a second. We have kept ticket prices as low as we can, and we also have a small number of solidarity tickets for those who genuinely cannot afford to travel but would like to attend. These have been donated by supporters who are unable to come themselves. We are inviting others who can to consider buying a solidarity ticket so that more people can join us.

So this is our appeal to In Common readers:

• If you can come, please join us and be part of the Southampton contingent.
• If you can’t come but support the cause, please consider a solidarity ticket.
• If you share our values, please spread the word through your networks—unions, community groups, faith spaces, workplaces, and social media.

Southampton has already shown that when ordinary people act together, we can push back against organised hate and defend a city that welcomes its neighbours. The national march is a chance to carry that spirit to London and stand alongside others doing the same across the country.

Book your seat or solidarity ticket: click here. 

March for love.

For hope.

For unity.

Together.

Let’s make sure Southampton shows up strong.