Unite Against Fascism Statement Opposing The EDL Rally In Central Manchester On Saturday, 2nd March
(To add your name, email [email protected] or phone 07507 373 609. Download the model motion for trade unions etc. and flyer about the 2nd March for distribution.)
The announcement by the racist-fascist English Defence League (EDL) that they intend to rally in central Manchester on Saturday, 2nd March is an insult to everyone. We are opposed to the EDL’s attempt to spread racist hatred and to divide the communities of the city of Manchester.
The EDL is a racist group dedicated to promoting hatred and intolerance in society. Their leadership includes hard-core fascists and BNP members. The EDL’s particular form of bigotry against Muslims is as unacceptable as any other form of racism. The EDL aims to create divisions in society by using diversity as a cause for hatred rather than celebration. There is no place for the EDL in Manchester’s multiracial, multicultural and multi-faith community.
While the EDL’s main target has been Muslims, they have also attacked independent bookshops, trade union and May Day meetings and Occupy camps.
In October 2009 the EDL severely disrupted the life of the city centre when they came to Piccadilly Gardens. The EDL caused further disruption when they rallied in Bolton in March 2010. We do not want this to happen again.
Recent months have seen several successful mass mobilisations against the EDL in Tower Hamlets, Bristol, Edinburgh and Waltham Forest. These were successful because they were broad based and included trade unions, anti-racist organisations, faith and community groups.
We therefore urge all decent people in Manchester, irrespective of colour, faith or beliefs, to join the protest against the EDL, assembling at Piccadily Gardens from 11am on Saturday, 2nd March.
Initial Signatories include:
Cllr. Aftab Ahmed, Cllr. Paul Fairweather, Cllr. Andrew Fender, Cllr. Daniel Gillard, Cllr. Eddy Newman; UCU North West Region, Gerry Gable (Editor) and all the team at Searchlight Magazine, Manchester and Salford NUJ, TFGM UNISON branch, Nick Wigmore (NUT National Executive Member For Greater Manchester), Pete Middleman, North West Regional Secretary, PCS, Sue Bond, Vice President, PCS, Debs Gwynne, St Helen’s National Union Of Teachers (pc), Cllr. David Whitaker, Lancaster City Council, Dan Harold, student.
You can:
- Contact your local councillor and ask them to publicly back the demo to stop the EDL
- Secure your trade union branch backing for this demo.
- Download a model motion attached to this article now
- Spread information about the demo, e.g. are there any gigs or events you are going to between now and 2nd March where you can help UAF to tell people about our demo? Or hold your own activity to raise awareness/funds so that Manchester stops the EDL.
- Leaflet about the demo in your own workplace or round where you live.
- UAF RALLY AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY, 15TH FEBRUARY, 5.00pm.