Gerry Gable, a prominent journalist and anti-fascist campaigner, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 88. Known for his unwavering commitment to defending democracy and exposing the threats posed by far-right extremism, Gable’s life was marked by numerous challenges, including death threats and legal battles. His legacy as an outspoken advocate against fascism is recognized both nationally and internationally.
Born in the East End of London on January 27, 1937, Gable was the son of a Jewish mother and an Anglican father. He developed a strong connection to his Jewish heritage, which deeply influenced his activism. Gable’s political journey began in his youth when he joined the Young Communist League and later the Communist Party. However, he distanced himself from the party in the 1960s due to its anti-Israel stance, stating, “I have first and foremost always been a Jewish trade unionist.”
Founding Searchlight and Anti-Fascist Activism
Gable became involved with the 62 Group, a militant anti-fascist organization founded in response to rising street violence from fascist groups. This engagement laid the groundwork for the creation of Searchlight, a magazine aimed at exposing racism and fascism in the UK. Launched in February 1975, Gable served as editor, guiding the publication through pivotal moments in the fight against far-right extremism.
Gable’s tactics sometimes drew controversy. In a notable incident in 1963, he and two associates infiltrated the Hornsey flat of Holocaust denier David Irving, posing as telephone engineers. This led to a conviction for burglary, resulting in fines. Such bold actions contributed to Gable’s reputation as a fearless campaigner, unafraid to confront the far-right.
His investigative work garnered attention when he produced the BBC Panorama programme, “Maggie’s Militant Tendency“, in 1984. In this program, he accused Conservative MPs Neil Hamilton and Gerald Howarth of covertly supporting extremist ideologies, claims that led to a libel case against the BBC, resulting in significant compensation for the MPs.
Legacy and Tributes
Gable’s influence extended beyond the pages of Searchlight. Under his leadership, the publication collaborated with the BBC on investigations that led to the arrests of eight members of the British National Party. Despite the challenges, including scrutiny from the Charity Commission regarding the political activities of the Searchlight Educational Trust, Gable’s determination remained steadfast.
His contributions to anti-fascism earned him accolades, including an honorary doctorate from Northampton University in 2011 for his lifetime achievements in defending democracy and combating racism. The university now serves as a digital resource center for Searchlight’s extensive archives.
Tributes have poured in following Gable’s passing. The Community Security Trust recognized him as a “towering figure in the fight against fascism, racism, and the far right in Britain.” Others, including Nick Lowles, CEO of Hope Not Hate, and Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, acknowledged Gable’s pivotal role in exposing the tactics of far-right groups.
Gable is survived by his wife, Sonia. His legacy as a fierce defender of democratic values and an unyielding opponent of fascism will continue to inspire future generations of activists.
