UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn slams racism during major London rally

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks at an anti-racism rally in London, October 10, 2016. (Photo by PA)

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has denounced growing racist and xenophobic sentiments in the country, saying he will never stop fighting those who are seeking to divide the British society.

Corbyn made the remarks as he joined hundreds of activists who marched in London on Sunday to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street more than 80 years ago.

The historic anti-fascism street fight took place in 1936, when tens of thousands of people stopped the British Union of Fascists marching through London's East End, despite facing aggressive police forces.

People hold placards as they walk along Cable Street commemorating the 80th anniversary of the anti-fascist battle of Cable Street in east London, October 9, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

“The principles that brought those people on to the streets run through my DNA. Be in no doubt – I will never turn my back on those values. I will fight against those who today aim to drive a wedge between us and between our communities,” Corbyn said at the rally.

He took a swipe at anti-immigrant voices in the country “who wish to scapegoat and blame migrants for the economic failures of this government,” saying that his party will remain committed to fighting them.

Accompanying the opposition leader at the event was the new Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott.

Sadiq Khan, London’s Muslim mayor, was also invited to the event but did not show up.

Activists celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Cable Street, London, October 9, 2016. (Photo by PA)

“I consider it an honor to be amongst people I've known for many years who've stood the test of time in standing up for a decent society,” Corbyn told the rally-goers.

On Saturday, Corbyn attended the "Stand Up To Racism" conference, where he said the British society should confront a "big spike in hate crime and abuse" since the Brexit vote in June.

“It's important that we confront this. Confront it by legal means. Confront it by supporting communities. But above all confront it by reaching out to all communities so that we can come together,” he told the conference.

Since June 23 when Britons opted for an exit from the European Union, the UK police have arrested over 400 people on hate crime charges, twice the number of offenses before the vote.