Racism, cuts and the right
January 20, 2011 19:30
Published:
January 05, 2011 18:34
by Charlie Salmon |
New Mechanics Institute, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham
Places:
Public Meeting Racism, cuts and the right
20th Jan | 7.30pm | New Mechanics Institute, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham
All Welcome!
STOP THE EDL IN LUTON...
Saturday February 8th, Luton
This is a ‘homecoming parade' for the EDL which emerged from a violent racist protest in Luton in 2009. The racists are likely to mobilise in significant numbers and our movement should respond in kind.
For transport to this event or more general information contact nottmstopbnp@yahoo.co.uk
Working class resistance to the government's austerity programme, emerging local anti-cuts campaigns and the connected shifts in British politics are the most significant events of our time.
Two years ago, the British National Party appeared as a threat because our movement was relatively passive. The BNP could say they represented "people like you" and working class communities. They could claim that "something is happening" around them, that they were headed for the "big time". Nick Griffin's fascist party can no longer make such claims.
Wracked by internal divisions, scandal, sordid claims and counter-claims the BNP is much weakened. Defeated at the general election and faced with re-energised working class movement, the BNP is seriously weakened.
There is much to celebrate but we must stay on guard.
At the same time as the BNP suffers relative decline, new forces and organisations are on the offensive. The anti-Muslim racist English Defence League continues to sow divisions in our class and stage violent demonstrations around the country. They - along with a number of right wing groups like the Freedom Association - have now made direct political links with the far-right populist ‘Tea Party' movement in the United States, hoping to import their ideas and methods to this country.
As class struggle intensifies with strike action, stoppages, large and militant anti-cuts committees and community campaigns we can be sure that the far-right and fascist groups will look for opportunities to fight back. EDL leaders have already promised to "turn up" to future student protests. They could seek influence through the reactionary tabloid press, maverick Tory MP's, insurgent electoral efforts or organised violence. We cannot rule out a successful reorientation of the beleaguered BNP.
It's unlikely that such initiatives will pull large numbers behind them but fault-lines will emerge and opportunities appear.
It is therefore vital that we integrate working class anti-fascism and anti-racism into our movement as a whole, leaving no opening for reactionaries and racists to take hold.
Attached Files
Contact email: nottmstopbnp@yahoo.co.uk
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