Messages of support are rolling in for Martin Smith, who is in court on Tuesday on a serious charge after last year’s protest against BNP leader Nick Griffin on Question Time. Martin, who is also coordinator of our sister campaign Love Music Hate Racism, has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday 7 September – details below.

>> Send a message of support

Here is a selection of messages of support sent in advance of the court date.

Reggae stars UB40

Hey Martin…just want to let you know that everyone here in UB40, the musicians and the road crew send their utmost respect and support to you for tomorrow. Without guys like Martin Smith, Nazi Nick Griffin has an easier time spreading his hate. It’s guys like Martin Smith that carry the banner for us all…it’s guys like Martin Smith that carry the torch that lights the way for us all….Stay strong Martin.
LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM…UB40

Guardian journalist and author Gary Younge

Martin – They used to give medals for fighting fascism. God help us when it becomes a crime.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow

Martin is a principled, committed and dedicated fighter against racism and fascism and has my full support.

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes

In recent months there have been a number of legal attacks upon anti-fascists. Those who defend multiculturalism and equal rights are being victimised, while Islamophobes and racists are being encouraged. The charges against Martin Smith should be dropped.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear

The NUJ has worked with Martin on a number of anti-fascist campaigns and we are supporting the efforts to clear his name.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka

I have known Martin for 27 years. He is a committed and principled campaigner against racism and fascism. The charge against Martin has everything to do with trying to curb the right to protest and intimidate those who are trying to combat the BNP and the racist EDL. I would urge all those who can to join the protest in support of Martin on 7 September.

NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney

The National Union of Teachers sends its support to Martin Smith and has full confidence in the aims of UAF and Love Music Hate Racism and support their democratic right to demonstrate.

PCS vice-president Sue Bond

I fully support Martin Smith at his hearing today. The right to promote multiculturalism and protest against fascism is fundamental to all trade unions and to all those who oppose fascism, racism and homophobia. How outrageous that Martin should be charged with protesting against the very people whose stated aim is to silence others and deny them their rights.

RMT London Fleet 960 branch has donated £200 towards Martin’s court costs. RMT rep Kieran Crowe says:

Our branch voted to support Martin because the authorities are soft on the BNP and EDL. It is complete hypocrisy to launch an attack on someone who is trying to defend democracy against neo-fascists. We need to defend Martin, because if we don’t, we’ll be next.

Dundee University branch UCU

The Dundee University Branch of UCU wholeheartedly and unanimously support Martin Smith in his fight to show his innocence of the charge brought against him. The very best of luck and the very best of advocacy when his case is heard. We sincerely hope his charge is laughed out of court.

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

9am Tuesday 7 September
South Western Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU

UPDATE – TUBE STRIKE: There is set to be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria). Bus routes 35, 37, 39, 49, 77, 87, 156, 170, 219, 295, 319, 337, 344, 345, C3 and G1 all stop close to the court. Please allow extra time to travel by bus because it is rush hour and buses will be crowded during the strike.

>> Download leaflet here
>> Pass this model motion through your union branch
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

More union support…

Mark Serwotka will be speaking at the protest outside the court, along with NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney, Unite the union’s London and Eastern regional secretary Steve Hart and CWU head of policy Steve Bell.

Also speaking will be musician Drew McConnell of Babyshambles, former UCU general secretary Paul Mackney, Zita Holbourne, joint chair, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (Barac), Rock Against Racism founder Roger Huddle, and Love Music Hate Racism supporters The King Blues.