BAFTA nominee, Nico Mirallegro
“It means Unity, not Division... Understanding and Empowerment rather than Fear and Hatred.”
Coronation Street Star, Julie Hesmondhalgh
“I’m saying No!”
Radio One DJ and Actor, Cel Spellman
“Look at the recent Refugee Crisis. Why have the Tory Party been so adamant about the lack of support and help? For me, it boils down to Racism.”
Maxine Peake
- Coronation Street Stars and Crew donating to Stand Up to Racism for Calais Refugees. ITV studios, Salford Quays, 1pm, Thursday 10th September.
- National Day of Action in Support of Refugees. Saturday, 12th September, 1.30pm, Manchester Piccadilly Gardens (Rallies all over UK).
- Plans for Calais delegation, 17th October, include Manchester refugees.
In the run up to the Tory Party Conference in Manchester during the first week of October, Greater Manchester based actors have Stood Up to Racism and backed this coming Saturday’s (12 Sept) launch that is part of a National Day to Support Refugees.
As we face the largest refugee crisis since World War Two, Manchester’s Stand Up to Racism launch event this Saturday will be concentrating on how people from here can reach out to the refugees who are already here, alongside those in Calais.
At the People’s Assembly rally last night in the city centre, hundreds gathered to hear speeches urging everyone to get onto Multicultural Manchester’s streets next month and make it crystal clear to the Tories that this city is against both the Austerity and the Racism that goes hand in hand with it.
Sol, who will be at the Stand Up to Racism launch this Saturday, and who lives in Whalley Range, explains:
“I hope that Saturday will really drive home that racism and the ongoing refugee crisis are an intrinsic part of government policy to deliver austerity and so, Manchester, we must Stand Up To Racism.”
In the run up to Saturday, the cast and crew of Coronation Street will be donating to Stand Up to Racism’s next trip to Calais trip, scheduled for 17th October and which will include a Manchester delegation.
'In Calais we are working with L'Auberge des Migrants and Secours Catholique,' explains Ameen Hadi from Stand Up To Racism. 'They have specifically requested men's shoes, sizes 6 to 11 (trainers or walking) and men's clothes: sweatshirts,
jackets, trousers, socks and ask people to think camping! - sleeping bags and tents - Candles or camping lights – backpacks – Bikes. They do not need clothes for women or children, except shoes (trainers) sizes 4-6 . And they need cash so they can buy food as needed.’
Saturday’s Speak Out and Protest on Saturday will be followed by a meeting to coordinate future support and protest against the racism that is used to justify the treatment of refugees here and in Calais, as well as the cuts in general.
ENDS
For further information contact Ameen Hadi on 07557281471, Nahella Ashraf on 07988572976 or Dr Rhetta Moran on 07776264646/[email protected]
See www.standuptoracism.org.uk
Tweet #Migrant Lives Matter Speak Out