Far-right planning Manchester protest
Article published: Monday, August 10th 2009
Far-right organisations the English Defence League and Casuals United have announced they will be holding an ‘anti-Islamic extremism’ protest in Manchester this October.
Yesterday 150 EDL supporters held a protest in Birmingham, which was successfully disrupted by an anti-fascist counter-demonstration. In total 35 people were arrested after clashes in the city centre.
The casuals have stated on their website that their next protests “will be bigger [and] will arrive unannounced and neither the police or the scum [anti-fascists] will know any details.”
The two groups have strong links to a variety of far-right and militant fascist organisations, and were established following demonstrations against returning British troops in Luton earlier this year. Both have attempted (despite links among their members) to distance themselves from the British National Party. Speculation among anti-fascists interprets the groups as a re-emergence of more militant fascism as the BNP becomes more institutionalised.
Their stated purpose is to “stop the enemy within,” namely “these people, whose [sic] agenda is to dominate Britain, and make it an Islamic State,” and the “politically correct traitors … who have brought us to this terrible state of affairs.”
How will Manchester respond?
More: Manchester, News
Comments
-
Good article.
Historically the fash have often called off their demonstrations through lack of confidence. If they try it in Manchester, I think the city’s quick and robust response to Griffin’s election shows the potential for mobilising against them. But of course, recent events in Luton and Birmingham also show an increased willingness on their part to take to the streets.
Between now and October is the BNP’s rally in Derbyshire this Saturday, to which they have invited prominent Nazis from around Europe to help build and solidify their movement. The outcome of the rally – and of our protest against it – will be incredibly important in setting the tone for October.
I’d urge anyone concerned by this news to book their place on the Unite Against Fascism coach for Saturday straight away; details at http://manchesteruaf.org
Comment by D on August 10, 2009 at 4:24 pm -
People should do a counter demo against right wing anti women anti gay religious sects and white power.
Comment by Dave on August 10, 2009 at 5:45 pm
The comments are closed.
