Far-right thugs attack women at climate march

Climate justice activists from across the North West came together last weekend in Manchester to march through the centre of Manchester calling for a halt to the climate crisis.

The event, organised by the Greater Manchester Climate Justice Coalition, was part of a Global Day of Action during the United Nations ‘COP30’ climate summit. It began with speeches given by children in All Saints Park on Manchester’s well-known Oxford Road and closed with a rally near Manchester Cathedral, where speakers demanded serious and urgent steps to tackle climate chaos and global inequality.

Enter the far-right

But as the family-friendly march was led down Oxford Road by young children and their parents, and during the Greengate Square speeches, marchers were constantly harassed by far right ‘streamers’ trying to intimidate and threaten people – and particularly targeting women with insults and aggressive behaviour. But the worst was yet to come.

As people dispersed after the final rally, a group of women making their way peacefully home were violently attacked. Three of the victims had to be taken to hospital for assessment.

Jasmine, one of the climate marchers attacked after the rally, said:

We had just finished the very good COP30 climate protest, a group of about 15 of us left together because a number of far right protesters had been following us around the edge of the protest, shouting slurs and abuse.

They followed us and blocked us in near the crowds in Exchange Square, and wouldn’t let us past. They started punching us in the head, threatening to kill us and trying to pull us to the ground. We pushed through them and escaped into a nearby shop. I have a minor head injury, 2 of us have concussions.

‘Deeply disturbed’

Friends of the Earth Executive Director Asad Rehman said:

Friends of the Earth is deeply disturbed that far-right extremists violently targeted a peaceful climate protest in Manchester at the weekend. What was a moment to bring communities together in shared care for people and planet was instead marred by disgraceful attacks that left three people injured and many more shaken.

We have long warned that the far right is growing bolder in its attempts to sow chaos, spread hate and divide our communities. Their anti-Muslim, anti-migrant and anti-climate agenda threatens us all. We cannot and must not accept incidents like this as the new normal.

To everyone affected, our heartfelt thoughts are with you. We stand firmly beside all those facing intimidation and hate. And to those who seek to threaten or silence people calling for a fairer, greener and more equal society, our message is simple: we will not be cowed by far right violence or thuggery. Our movement—rooted in peace, justice and solidarity—will only grow stronger.

Amy McDowall of Parents for Future Manchester added:

Saturday’s march was an inclusive, peaceful and fun way for families to come together and have their voices heard in the climate movement. It’s disappointing that a tiny minority of society thinks it’s appropriate to yell abuse at children and assault women, but our membership – and our resolve to stand up for a safe future for children everywhere – have only grown as a result.

‘I don’t give a sh*t’

The aggressors also showed no concern for protecting children from fear and distress. Linda Walker of the Greater Manchester Climate Justice Coalition said:

These right wing agitators claim to be protectors of women and children but when told that there were many children on the march who were becoming distressed by their behaviour, one of the agitators said ‘I don’t give a sh*t’

We did not allow them to deflect us from continuing our march and holding a final rally in Greengate Square.

We are very grateful to all those who took part – from parents associations, faith groups, environmental groups, trade unions, peace and anti-racism groups and supporters of Palestine and Sudan. Our solidarity will not be broken by people who share none of our values and whose ideology is based on hatred and division.

Greater Manchester Climate Justice Coalition has called on Greater Manchester Police to take much stronger action against aggressive and disruptive far-right groups and to uphold the right to peaceful protest free from intimidation and violence. Police forces around the country have demonstrated a disinterest in arresting or even impeding far-right mobs while targeting peaceful anti-genocide and climate protesters for mass arrests.

Featured image via Greater Manchester Climate Justice Coalition