A People’s History of the Anti Nazi League (1977-1981)

As living standards stagnate and fall, the threat of war grows and the climate crisis worsens, far right and fascist parties are growing in many countries including Britain.

The problem is not a new one.

Demanding the compulsory deportation of all immigrants, in the 1970s the Nazi National Front was able to claim it was becoming a major party, coming third in many local elections.

Written by its full-time organiser in Manchester, drawing on many in-depth interviews, this book shows how the Anti Nazi League (ANL) stopped the National Front.

Challenging every attempt by the fascists to organise on the streets and elsewhere, its 40,000 members built groups in workplaces, unions, schools and colleges.

Women, gays, football fans organised ANL groups. Together with its sister organisation, Rock Against Racism, the ANL organised two national carnivals, each supported by tens of thousands of young people, black and white.

Nine million leaflets were given out and seven hundred thousand badges sold. The National Front was humiliated in the 1979 general election.

By 1981 it was broken as a national organisation.

‘Brilliantly shows the power of unity in action overcoming political differences to defeat poisonous racism, antisemitism and islamophobia — Peter Hain, anti-apartheid leader, Anti Nazi League founding member, former Labour cabinet minister

‘Scholarly and accessible. Description of a small revolutionary party, the SWP, building a broad mass movement makes an original contribution. Highlighting youthful dynamism, demographic range, principled compromises, commitment and courage, it will be appreciated by ANL veterans and inspire activists fighting racism and fascism today’ — Kate Alexander, University of Johannesburg emeritus professor and former ANL National Organiser.