Blair Peach was a dedicated anti-fascist activist who played a significant role in opposing the National Front, a far-right political group in the UK. On the day of the demonstration, thousands gathered to protest against a scheduled meeting of the National Front in Southall, London. This area had witnessed increasing tensions due to a growing immigrant population and the rise of far-right sentiments. During the clash between demonstrators and police, Peach was knocked unconscious and later died. Eyewitness accounts suggest that police aggression escalated, with allegations of excessive force being leveled against them.

Peach's death ignited outrage among local communities and activists, leading to widespread protests and calls for accountability. The subsequent inquiry into his death revealed a lack of sufficient evidence and raised further questions about police conduct during demonstrations. This situation underscored the broader societal issues of racism and policing in the UK, as well as the potent animosities between far-right groups and anti-fascist organizations.

In the aftermath, activists pushed for justice and reform in policing methods, particularly regarding how authorities managed protests involving racial and political tensions. Blair Peach's death was a catalyst for continued activism against racism and the far-right in Britain during a time when such movements were becoming increasingly visible and organized.