MARCH 22ND - A DAY OF ACTION AGAINST RACISM

A day of action against racism has been called for across Europe on Saturday March 22nd to coincide with the marking of UN Anti-Racism Day in 2014, with eyes on the European elections in May.

Across Europe the fascist and populist racist right are on the rise. From the violent Golden Dawn in Greece, the anti-Roma Jobbik in Hungary, the Islamophobic Freedom Party of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands to the success of the Front National in France, these currents are encouraging hatred, fear and prejudice in a frightening wave across the continent.

In Britain the far right is hoping for gains in the Euro elections. The British National Party (BNP) is seeking the re-election of Nick Griffin in the North West and Andrew Brons is seeking re-election in Yorkshire and the Humber. The mainstream political parties look set to capitulate to UKIP in their calls for draconian ‘anti-immigration’ policies and promoting a ‘Little Englander’ anti-foreign, anti-Europe mentality.

This all encourages currents like the English Defence League, which turn their Islamophobic prejudices into real attempts to terrorise the Muslim population – attacking Mosques, assaulting veiled women, insulting religious sensitivities with vile slogans and throwing pigs’ heads, and organising intimidating marches into Muslim communities.

Following the rising violence of Golden Dawn and the murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas, (also known as Killah P), the Greek anti-fascist and anti-racist movement has proposed that next year’s UN Day Against Race Discrimination on March 21/22 should be the focus for actions against racism and fascism across Europe.

Unite Against Fascism has therefore initiated this call for a demonstration and rally to Stand Up to Racism in London on Saturday 22nd March. The event has been backed by the TUC and most trade unions in the UK.

WE appeal to local trade unions in Bristol to support this rally. In particular we would like to co-ordinate transport from Bristol to London for the day, and to raise money from unions to pay for coach(es). If your union wishes to book a coach please let us know so that we can co-ordinate. Alternatively, if your branch wishes to donate money towards a coach, please forward a cheque made payable to ‘Unite Against Fascism’ and send to PO Box 68229 l London SW1P 9WZ

*Note this account is managed by the CWU HQ (HSBC Bank plc, King’s Cross, 31 Euston Road, London NW1 2ST, account name Unite Against Fascism. Sort code: 40-04-07 account number: 51336460, for the credit of Unite Against Fascism.

Yours fraternally,

Martin Upchurch (Convener, Bristol Unite Against Fascism) southwestuaf@gmail.com