On Saturday, 25th October, from 11 a.m. onward, more than 53 organisations united under the banner “One Tower Hamlets” for a powerful Peace and Unity Rally from Altab Ali Park to the Town Hall. The event demonstrated a firm, collective stand against the threats and intimidation from UKIP and their supporters.

At its peak, an estimated 10,000 people from across the country joined this peaceful community protest to stand together against racism, Islamophobia, and far-right intimidation.

Among the organisations represented were:

United East End, Unison, Unite, East London Mosque and LMC, Stand Up To Racism, NEU, Muslim Community Association, Stop the War Coalition, Council of Mosques, Brick Lane Community Forum, Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Voices, Island Against Division, Women’s Inclusive Team, Muslim Youth Network, Tower Hamlets Mosques, Tower Hamlets Community Coalition, Women Against the Far Right, Faith Inspire, and many others.

Earlier in the week, UKIP leader Nick Tenconi had used social media to rally supporters to converge on Whitechapel, referring to it as a “crusade” and a “holy war,” calling on followers to bring crosses and flags to “take back Tower Hamlets.” In response, the Metropolitan Police banned the planned UKIP march to Tower Hamlets on public order and safety grounds, redirecting them instead to gather in Hyde Park, where only a small number of UKIP supporters eventually appeared.

 From 10 a.m., several hundred young men dressed in black, with their faces covered, gathered peacefully in Altab Ali Park, declaring over megaphones that this was a “peace and unity event” and that violence or provocation would not be tolerated. The group then marched towards the Town Hall, joining others dressed similarly, united in their message of solidarity.

 Across Whitechapel Road, from Whitechapel High Street to Whitechapel Station, participants displayed peace placards and anti-racism banners, alongside flags and signs expressing solidarity with Palestine and Bangladesh.

 A speaker’s section, organised by United East End, Tower Hamlets Coalition, and others, featured key community and political leaders. Among those addressing the rally were the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, MP Jeremy Corbyn, and Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse.

 The event was marked by a strong sense of unity, resilience, and community spirit. Despite fears of confrontation, there was no unrest in Tower Hamlets; only a clear, collective message of peace, inclusivity, and solidarity.

#FaithInspire #Peace #Unity #Solidarity #UnitedAgainstRacism #TowerHamlets #NoPlaceForHate