THE majority of our national newspapers have played a disgraceful role in stirring up racism over the coming years and especially during the referendum.

Jonathan Freedland, editor of the Guardian recently said of racism in our press that if you drip, drip enough poison into the system, people are going to get sick. We saw some evidence of this sickness on Saturday when proclaimed fascist group ‘Pie and Mash’ (fash, ie ‘fascism’ and ‘mash’ rhyme) came to Southampton.

The response to them was absolutely tremendous with over 1,000 turning up to say that racism has no part in our city. There was singing, drumming and speeches from citizens and council and community leaders – altogether a brilliant community atmosphere. We marched them fascists right out of our city.

What a pity then that our local newspaper, Southampton’s Daily Echo, chose to focus not on the positive aspects of our demonstration but on a few apparent minor clashes with the police. Given that there were obviously some strong emotions, aroused by the appearance of fascism, the march went off brilliantly. ‘Pie and Mash’ were completely smashed and Southampton came out to show that racism is just not Saintly!

Glyn Oliver Chair, Unite Community Southampton Area