Thirty years ago today, Haringey Trade Unions and community groups took a stand against racism – it was the Battle of Wood Green. Three thousand Haringey Trade Unionists, locals of West Indian descent, members of Rock Against Racism, the Indian Workers Party, and many others, came together to disrupt a fascist march through Wood Green, with many being arrested.

Today the TUC organised a rally at Duckett’s Common at the very time on the very day of that original march – with some of those there having also been at the original march in 1977. There wasn’t a huge crowd – perhaps a sign of all the work that goes on in Haringey, where we all work hard to unite across faith, culture and race. That effort has paid off – and here (unlike many other places) we experienced no serious backlash against Muslims after 7/7.

However, as I said through megaphone, this day also reminds us to be vigilant. Blair will leave this country more racially divided than when he came to power. Both Muslims and Jews are experiencing a rise in hate crime and incidents. It is so easy to ignore early signs – but anti-Semitic attacks are at the highest they have been for years.

So I was pleased to play a small part in the celebrations today. Someone suggested that we ought to have some sort of memorial there – and I think that is an excellent idea. So – we will see what can be done.