Labour MP Rushanara Ali has called for renewed solidarity against antisemitism, racism and hatred as she marked the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.
The Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney paid tribute to the East Enders who united against fascism on 4 October 1936, highlighting the Jewish community, trade unionists and others who helped stop Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists marching through the area.
Ali: ‘build on their legacy’
In a message accompanying footage of the Cable Street mural, Ali said the struggle had brought different communities together.
“We must continue to build on their legacy and fight against the resurgence of antisemitism, racism and hatred in our society,” she said.
The Battle of Cable Street saw thousands of anti-fascist demonstrators gather in London’s East End. Protesters built barricades and clashed with police attempting to clear a route for the fascist march, which was ultimately diverted.
Jewish residents stood alongside trade unionists, dockworkers and other campaigners. Their resistance remains a defining symbol of opposition to fascism and antisemitism.
Raised in Parliament
Ali had also raised the anniversary in Parliament on 14 September, during a debate secured by Labour MP Apsana Begum.
She recalled learning about Cable Street while growing up in the East End and paid tribute to participants Max Levitas and Beatty Orwell, whose subsequent campaigning helped pass its legacy to younger generations.
Ali urged stronger community cohesion and relationships between people of different faiths and none, warning that disinformation and online hatred were fuelling contemporary intolerance.
Her anniversary message connects that parliamentary appeal with the history commemorated by the mural: communities standing together against attempts to divide them, and a continuing responsibility to confront hatred.
