The National Union of Teachers has weighed in with support for UAF officer Martin Smith, who faces a serious charge after last year’s demo against BNP leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time.
Martin, who is also coordinator of our sister campaign Love Music Hate Racism, was arrested on the UAF protest against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearnce on the BBC’s Question Time programme last year. Martin has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.
NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney, who will speak at a protest to support Martin outside the court hearing, said:
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.
Other trade unionists have also been lining up to back Martin. Sue Bond, vice-president of the PCS civil servants’ union, said:
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.
Speaking in a personal capacity, David Crouch, NUJ Foc at the Financial Times added:
Many journalists were concerned at the BBC’s decision to invite Nick Griffin onto Question Time. The move appeared to be a grubby attempt to boost the programme’s ratings by pandering to racism. Unite Against Fascism spoke for a significant section of the public by holding its protest at the BBC.
We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday – details below. If you are unable to come, please send a message of support.
>> Read more messages from union leaders backing Martin
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
TUBE STRIKE: There will be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria) which is just up the road from the court. 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
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