CELEBRATE OUR MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY IN WALTHAMSTOW
CELEBRATE OUR MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY GATHER WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE
FROM 11am
STOP THE FASCIST ENGLISH DEFENCE LEAGUE
MARCHING THROUGH WALTHAMSTOW
l The English Defence League is planning to march in Walthamstow on Saturday
1 September. The EDL is an extremely violent, racist and Nazi group that whips up
hatred and intolerance. EDL demonstrations regularly descend into violence, with
its supporters attacking Asian and black people, smashing windows of homes and
shops, attacking mosques and other places of worship. In 2010, two EDL members
were convicted of brutally murdering a young disabled man.
l The EDL march would take place during the Paralympics which celebrates the
inspirational achievements of disabled people. To allow the EDL to march in an
Olympic borough would be an affront to Paralympians and all disabled people, and
undermines the celebration of diversity underpinning the 2012 London Games.
l The EDL had planned to march on 18 August, the same day as Eid, an important
Muslim festival. After overwhelming public opposition and the council’s call for a
ban, the EDL ‘postponed’ the march. It is good that the EDL backed down. However,
they will never be welcome in Waltham Forest. We are a very diverse and vibrant
community. We like it that way. We do not want fascists in our community trying to
sow division, threaten our residents and local businesses.
l The recent murders of Sikh worshippers in Wisconsin show the horrific
consequences of this kind of hatred when left unchecked.
l It is vital, therefore, that we as a community show our defiance against the
EDL and celebrate our multi-cultural community. ‘We are Waltham Forest’ is a
broad-based campaign working with all those who oppose the EDL marching in our
borough.
l Join us on Saturday 1 September to send a clear message: Waltham Forest says
‘No’ to the EDL.
l Please get involved in this campaign. Together we can stop the EDL.
l Join our e-mail list so we can keep you updated at: waltuaf@gmail.com
Camden Trades Council 