ANTI-FASCISTS gathered at Piccadilly Circus in London last night to protest against a visit by far-right Italian politician Matteo Salvini. 

More than 200 supporters from Stand Up to Racism, Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and Italian anti-fascist groups joined the demonstration, while Mr Salvini failed to appear as expected.
 
His supporters had claimed that Mr Salvini, who leads the far-right League party, would visit London, Liverpool, Brighton and Dublin to host fundraising meals. 
 
During the rally, the Fire Brigades Union’s Riccardo la Torre spoke about the case of Miguel Roldan, a Spanish firefighter who has worked as a volunteer on NGO migrant rescue ships in the Mediterranean. 

Mr Salvini has led a campaign to imprison Mr Roldan as part of attempts to victimise refugees and migrants. The League is currently blaming migrants for spreading the coronavirus in Italy.

Mr La Torre said: “Firefighting is a humanitarian profession and Miguel was carrying out humanitarian work. We cannot stand idly by while one of our own is punished for trying to save lives.
 
“Across Europe, Salvini and politicians of his ilk are spreading hatred. We will not allow racists and fascists to divide us.”
 
UAF national campaigner Paul Sillett said they had suspected Mr Salvini that might not turn up but wanted to send a united message that “he and his ilk are not welcome.”
 
Mr Sillet said: “His links to the AfD [Alternative for Germany] and [Marine] Le Pen’s National Rally, plus his support for Steve Bannon, reveals his poisonous politics of scapegoating Roma and vile racism.
 
“He would no doubt wish to see Boris Johnson, given Johnson’s stance on refugees and government advisers who wish to align with anti-semites like Viktor Orban.”
 
Italian anti-fascists will join Anti-Racism Day demonstrations in London and Glasgow on March 21.