March against the BNP, Welling 16th October 1993
Glenys Kinnock 1944-2023. MEP, Campaigner, Supporter of 1992 Anti Nazi League
Glenys Kinnock who has sadly died at 79 after a period of illness, was a teacher who became am MEP and briefly a Labour Minister. Its tempting perhaps to see her life as a rather politics from the top down affair.
One thing that provides another dimension is her high profile support for the re-launch of the Anti Nazi League in 1992.
Originally founded in 1977 to oppose the National Front it had been wound up in 1982 with the focus moving to organising against the Thatcherite Tory Government.
However it was launched again in 1992 as the rise of the BNP underlined that fascist organisation and attacks were once again a serious issue.
Tony Benn recorded in his diary on 15th January 1992 a Socialist Campaign Group meeting where Peter Hain, Glenys Kinnock, Bernie Grant and Paul Holborow who supported the ANL re-launch had a ‘flaming row’ with Ken Livingstone who was supporting the Anti-Racist Alliance.
These particular divisions are part of history now, with racism and fascism on the rise across the globe, although the debates about how best to oppose it of course remain very much of the present.
Its to Glenys Kinnock’s credit that she was prepared to get involved, and not just as a ‘name’ but as a consistent anti-fascist and anti-racist. It is unfortunately not something likely to feature in obituaries even though it should
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