[See a video of a speech by Sabby Dhalu, Joint Secretary of Unite Against Fascism, here, promoting the 2nd March and giving a number of insights into the work of the UAF]
From Unite Against Fascism --
Please see the statement below: "Albert Square Belongs To Multicultural Manchester - not the Racist Nazi EDL". Please sign and circulate the statement, and see suggested tweets at bottom.
The statement is signed by:
Councillor Daniel Gillard, Manchester City Council
Dr Abdul Aziz (Muslim Association of Britain)
Lesley Lancelott (Manchester Unison Women's Group, pc)
Rabbi Warren Elf, Faith Network for Manchester and Salam Shalom
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Statement
Albert Square Belongs To Multicultural Manchester - not the Racist Nazi EDL
Manchester City Council should overrule the Manchester City Partnership decision to offer Albert Square to the English Defence League for a rally next Saturday, March 2nd 2013.
Under no circumstances should the EDL be allowed to use our Town Hall Square as a platform for their hatred against the many and diverse cultures and faiths in Manchester.
Albert Square is in the heart of our city.
Manchester Town Hall is in Albert Square and, throughout the year, it hosts events which demonstrate our Multiculturalism and our Multi Faith City
Right now it is decorated with Chinese lanterns to celebrate Chinese New Year. At the Jewish festival of Hanukkah there is a Menorah. Sikhs use the square for their celebration of the birthday of Guru Nanak. The Hindu festival of Divali is celebrated in Albert Square. At the Christmas Market there is a Nativity in Albert Square. Muslims have prayed in Albert Square on Peace Marches. Later in March, Albert Square will host the annual Irish festival which celebrates nearly 200 years of the Irish immigrant community in our city. Gay Pride started in Manchester's Albert Square after the protests against the homophobic section 28.
There is no place for the EDL in Albert Square - or anywhere else in Multicultural Manchester! Not on March 2nd or on any other day.
Signed by:
Cllr Daniel Gillard, Manchester City Council
Dr Abdul Aziz (Muslim Association of Britain)
Lesley Lancelott (Manchester Unison Women's Group, pc)
Rabbi Warren Elf, Faith Network for Manchester and Salam Shalom
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Suggested tweets:
#asktheleader do NOT permit the EDL in Albert Square #asbmm
No place in Manchester for EDL - stop them from using Albert Square
Use your powers MCC. Stop EDL from using Albert Square on March 2nd
To add your name to the statement, please contact [email protected] or 07507373609