Over 100 anti-fascists protested in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire on Tuesday evening 16 October, effectively preventing a planned "mass meeting" of the fascist British National Party with its leader Nick Griffin.
The assembled trade unionists, socialists and members of the local community gathered outside Kimberley Parish Hall from 6.30pm, trapping BNP leader Nick Griffin and a handful of supporters inside.
The protest was sufficiently large and well organised to prevent the planned "mass meeting" of BNP supporters from taking place. This is a major set-back for the BNP in Notts and a huge victory for all those who oppose their fascist race-hate.
A stand-off between protesters and the police lasted well over two hours after initial attempts to break our lines were thwarted. The police made a number of heavy-handed attempts to intimidate the protest - all of which failed. A small number of protesters have been detained by the police. Notts Stop the BNP will monitor the situation and support those involved.
At the end of the evening Griffin and his close associate Sadie Graham (BNP councillor for Brinsley, Broxtowe) were driven away with police protection after a small number of very disheartened supporters on the outside gave up their token vigil.
This evening's victory must be built upon. The BNP have a base of support in the area and will - despite the major set-back - surely continue to organise. Anyone interested in supporting the campaign should email nottmstopbnp@yahoo.co.uk.