A former Member of Parliament has reflected on the enduring lessons of anti-fascism following a recent discussion about his grandfather’s experiences during a parliamentary visit to Auschwitz in the years after World War II. The elder man, one of only four Communist MPs elected to the post-war British Parliament and representative of Mile End in Stepney, recalled the harrowing aftermath of the Holocaust and the significance of resistance movements within occupied Poland.

During their conversation, the former MP recounted his grandfather’s vivid memories of encountering the bodies of young Polish soldiers near a river during the visit, underscoring the brutal toll of the war and genocide. The senior figure also reflected on his personal roots—his family fled Ukraine decades earlier to escape anti-Jewish pogroms—and how he narrowly escaped a fate that befell many in Eastern Europe during the Nazi occupation.

The elder parliamentarian’s political career was closely tied to his activism against fascism, particularly in London’s East End during the 1930s. As a local councillor and anti-fascist campaigner, he faced the rise of the British Union of Fascists (BUF), led by Sir Oswald Mosley. Mosley’s group, known for their black uniforms and aggressive street tactics, sought to intimidate minority communities, especially Jews, through public rallies and violence.

In October 1936, Mosley planned a provocative march through predominantly Jewish neighborhoods in East London. Despite petitions and community opposition, the march proceeded. However, diverse groups including dockworkers, Jewish residents, Irish immigrants, communists, trade unionists, and other local activists united to resist the BUF in a demonstration that would become known as the Battle of Cable Street. The protest, marked by large crowds, makeshift barricades, and clashes with police, succeeded in stopping the fascist marchers and has since become a symbol of community solidarity against racial hatred and authoritarianism.

The former MP highlighted parallels between that era and contemporary movements characterized by anti-immigrant protests and hostile rhetoric. He observed that while present-day gatherings might differ in scale or context, they often replicate tactics historically associated with fascism, such as intimidation and scapegoating minorities. He emphasized his grandfather’s approach of addressing systemic issues rather than targeting individuals, encouraging dialogue to address people’s real-life concerns such as housing, employment, and public safety.

Reflecting on these historical and modern dynamics, the former MP underscored the importance of remembering anti-fascist resistance as a broad, inclusive effort grounded in defending pluralism and social justice. He cited his grandfather’s experiences as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred and the value of confronting divisiveness with solidarity. The ongoing legacy of the Battle of Cable Street serves as a marker for communities committed to opposing extremism and protecting the rights of all residents.