Photo by AMANDA BENTHAM
Unite Against Fascism (UAF) would like to thank the thousands of people who joined the unity demonstration in Walthamstow, east London on Saturday.
It was a day of celebration that has delivered a humiliating defeat to the racist thugs of the English Defence League (EDL). The EDL wanted to stage its provocative anti-Muslim march through the multicultural borough in north east London as part of its campaign to spread race hatred. It was a failure.
The EDL called it a “make or break” day for its dwindling band of supporters. It promised to mobilise over 1,000 people for its Walthamstow demonstration. Only 150 turned up. They were blocked, diverted and finally told that their rally had to be abandoned.
In contrast between 3,500 to 4,000 people turned out to oppose them. UAF along with the “We Are Waltham Forest” campaign brought together trade unions, community and faith groups, and many others in a magnificent display of unity.
This miserable turn-out for the EDL — that at one time claimed to have thousands of active members — has triggered another round of resignations and in-fighting
Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism said:
“Walthamstow showed that our strength is in our unity, our determination and our resolve. It proved that together we can defeat the fascists and racist thugs of the EDL. It was a magnificent day and a great celebration of our multicultural society.
“In Walthamstow we can celebrate a great victory. But we cannot be complacent. Fascism remains a threat here and across Europe. The fascists will use every opportunity to exploit this terrible economic crisis to push their message of hate. We have to be ready to oppose them at every turn, and in every town and city across the country.”
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy said:
“We welcome everyone here to Walthamstow, except for the EDL. It is the one group of people we do not welcome because what they represent is not what we stand for.”
Steve Hart, political officer of Unite the Union and chair of UAF, said:
“Saturday was a magnificent mobilisation of London’s multicultural communities. We can say: East End 3 – EDL 0.”
Dundee against the SDL
On the same Saturday “Dundee Together Against Racism and Fascism” held a carnival and protest against a “demonstration” by the Scottish Defence League (SDL). Dundee sent a clear message to the fascists that they are not welcome in the city.
About 500 anti-racists marched with trade union banners to shout down the 50 fascists who turned up. Dundee Together sent solidarity greetings to the community in Walthamstow.
Ten Years of Love Music Hate Racism
On Saturday 15 September Love Music Hate Racism celebrates its 10th anniversary. Its going to be a riot of meetings, music, poetry and film. Some of the highlights of the event include:
- · Defending Multiculturalism: Salma Yaqoob, Ken Livingstone, Christine Blower (NUT gen sec), Hugh Lanning (PCS deputy gen sec) and Weyman Bennett (UAF).
- · Poetry and comedy: Mark Steel, Michael Rosen, Zita Holbourne and Aves Mohammad.
- · The Rise of the far right across Europe: Liz Fekete (IRR), Edie Freeman (JCORE) and Martin Smith (LMHR)
- · Ain’t no black in the Union Jack revisited: Paul Gilroy.
- · How we beat the EDL in Walthamstow: Jo Cardwell, Sophie Bolt, local councillor.
- · Music with Pandit G, Drew McConnell, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, 4i2i, Jamie Joseph, Chloe and a very special guest.
The event runs from 1pm – 1am. You can book your ticket from the LMHR office office. Phone 0207 801 2781. The full timetable go to: http://lovemusichateracism.com/2012/08/lmhr-10th-anniversary-event-final-timetable
New issue of Unity Magazine
The second issue of UAF’s Unity Magazine is now out. In this issue we have reports on fascism in Europe, the Breivik trial in Norway, interview with Morris Beckman from the 43 Group, Ten Years of Love Music Hate Racism, racism and the grooming scandal and much more. To get your copy please email simon@uaf.org.uk
Donate to UAF
Unite Against Fascism campaigning work relies on donations from our supporters. Please help us continue our work. Go to uaf.org.uk/join-donate
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