Belfast has been rocked by two nights of violence that that saw roads blocked, people driven from their homes and vehicles burned.
The attacks were carried out by gangs who had been mobilised by calls to block roads, wear black uniform type clothing and to be prepared to be arrested.
The violence has not come as a surprise. People are well aware that the far right were waiting for an event that could be a trigger for their actions.
That trigger was provided by a horrific act of criminal violence during an altercation between two men in North Belfast. One of the men was clearly from an ethnic minority background. The fight was recorded and circulated widely. Naturally people were repulsed by the gory video. Concerns were further heightened by intemperate statements from establishment, political figures and some so called community representative. In the current tinderbox atmosphere this was sufficient to create space for a night of violence.
Up to this point the numbers involved in violence have been relatively low. But unchecked this may change and a new pogrom could be unleashed. It is also possible that increasing disorder can rapidly morph into sectarian conflict.
Many in communities are working tirelessly to avert this. It is extremely important that they are supported and that the trade union movement, with its special place in society, acts as a unifying force across all communities and comes out strongly to counter the racists.
Working-class communities and all sections of society from whatever religious or ethnic backgrounds desperately need affordable decent housing, living wages, and proper public services that are well funded. The only way to achieve this is for united struggles of working-class people against the right-wing politicians, racists and the big bosses who try to divide us.
Militant Left will remain in the front line of resistance to, criminal violence in working class communities, racism and sectarianism.
Join us in the fight for working class unity and a socialist future.