From Cable Street to Garvaghy Road - They shall not pass

Large crowds marched in the sun through London’s East End on 4th October commemorating ‘The battle of Cable street’ in 1936. They were in good spirits as they listened to many speakers: some giving historic accounts of the day 90 years earlier and others with a contemporary message - none more so than Declan Kearney, Sinn Fein chairperson.

“The Battle of Cable Street 90 years ago was a triumph of solidarity over reaction.

Here in London’s East End, the Irish working class united with their Jewish neighbours, Communists, Socialists, and other progressives. Their solidarity prevented the incursion of fascists onto these streets. 

Cable Street was a watershed moment as fascism spread across Europe. The East End stood courageously against British fascists’ attempts to racially divide workers. 

Since last Saturday the people of Garvaghy Road, supported by community and political activists from across Ireland, have peacefully resisted the threat of an unwanted sectarian Orange march being forced through their area. 

 Thousands have held the Garvaghy Road against those in unionism who want to turn back the clock. 

Democratic Ireland has been outraged. 

Now it is mobilised. In opposition to those reactionaries whose objective is to intimidate and harass. To take us back to the days of second class citizenship and sectarian domination. 

But friends those days are over.

My message to the East End today is this: The fascists did not pass here in 1936. 

The Orange Order will not pass on Garvaghy Road. 

The historical parallels are unmistakable.  

Today the forces of reaction in Ireland and Britain are mobilising. 

International capital is bankrolling race war through social media. 

 Its agenda is clear.

 Divide & conquer the working class.

Those of us who choose progress must make a stand. 

Earlier this summer racist pogroms were organised by fascists and unionist paramilitaries in Belfast. 

In recent weeks masked thugs have brought their hatred to the streets of Portsmouth and Dover.  

This attempt to force a sectarian march through Garvaghy Road after 28 years is no accident. It’s about trying to destroy political progress and peace process. It’s a counter reaction against the momentum for national self-determination and Irish unity. The community resistance at Garvaghy Road is also watershed moment. 

But, we are not going back. 

Garvaghy Road is a defence of our peace and progress. Defiance in the face of sectarian reaction. That is why there must be no Orange boots on Garvaghy Road. 

We are now facing into a potential abyss. 

The British Secretary of State must use his powers to stop this march. The Labour Government must act. Its indifference and disengagement towards this crisis is unacceptable. 

Make no mistake: 

The impasse on Garvaghy Road is a test of Andy Burnham's commitment to the Irish peace process. 

As I stand here, time is running out. 

So, I make an urgent appeal to the proud British left. 

Mobilise in the spirit of the Battle of Cable Street. Organise in solidarity with the people of Garvaghy Road. 

Defend the Irish peace process. Stand with us in support of equality, democracy and Irish unity. 

For hope and the future.

No Pasarán! Beirigí Bua!”