Unite Against Fascism sends its condolences to the family and friends of Lee Rigby, the soldier murdered on Wednesday in Woolwich. There can be no justification for such a terrible attack on an individual.
At the same time we also reject the attempt by fascist organisations such as the English Defence League and British National Party to exploit the murder to whip up racism and direct hatred towards all Muslims. Last night a mosque in Bletchley was subjected to an arson attack with petrol bomb.

Together with all anti-racists, those of different communities, cultures and faiths, trade unions and others we, now more than ever, must stand up to Islamophobia wherever it raises its head.
Join us outside Downing Street on Monday to hand in our statement following the Woolwich murder. We will be co-ordinating a peaceful assembly prior to the EDL mobilisation at 3pm. Our event will include trade unionists, faith representatives, community groups and others.

The horrific and barbaric murder of a British soldier in Woolwich yesterday should be unreservedly condemned. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends following this brutal murder. I fully support the police in their efforts to discover whether the two individuals acted alone or whether an extremist group or cell is involved.

As Mayor of London, I served this city when it withstood the worst terrorist attack it has ever faced on the 7th July 2005. I am proud that Londoners of all faiths and none stood united, shoulder to shoulder against terrorism; our unity meant that there were no reprisal attacks against any one community in the immediate aftermath of those murderous bombings. Doing so again is the most effective way to defeat the terrorists’ aims.

There will be those who will seek to scapegoat entire communities for this barbaric act. This is what terrorists want, and rely on. For people to feel fear, to turn on each other and to bring down the very essence of London, the most successful melting pot in the history of the world and the city of the free. Already, violent fascists have taken to the streets in Woolwich adding insult to the injury that community is feeling. Already there have been reprisal attacks against Mosques. We must not let this violent minority exploit this crime for their own hateful gains.

In 2002, before the invasion of Iraq, the security services warned the Prime minister, Tony Blair, that this would make Britain a target for terrorist attacks. We are still experiencing the dreadful truth of this warning.

But if this city has demonstrated one thing, it has been the very example of how to withstand the ultimate aim of terrorism, which is to divide us. Just as Norway refused to be beaten into submission by a national fascist terrorist whose attack left 77 people dead, so too, London will continue to be a beacon to the world for all those who want to live in harmony and realise their potential. These are the very things that terrorism mortally opposes. I therefore call upon all political parties, the media and the people of London, to embody the strength of this city that has always been here. Terrorism has never broken London or its unity. It never will. It will fail.

But we must recognise that fascist organisations such as the English Defence League and British National Party are trying to use the murder to whip up racism and direct hatred against all Muslims.

EDL thugs attempted to start a race riot in Woolwich last night. Mosques have been attacked by racist thugs. These fascists and racists should be condemned and opposed. We must not give a quarter to those who would judge an entire religion, race or nationality by the actions of a few.

We do not hold Norwegian Christians responsible for the actions of the fascist Anders Breivik, whose 2011 rampage left 77 dead. We do not hold white people collectively responsible for Timothy McVeigh, the US neo-Nazi whose 1995 Oklahoma City bomb killed 168 people, or for David Copeland, the former BNP member who planted bombs across London in 1999. Nor should anyone suggest that Britain’s Muslims are collectively responsible for yesterday’s attack.

The fascist organisations that are trying to stir up trouble and racist violence in the wake of the Woolwich killing do not care about the dead soldier, his family or the interests of any community. They want only to see Muslims attacked and a race war on our streets. UAF condemns them and opposes their attempts to call “demonstrations” to exploit these issues.

UAF also calls on the media and politicians to stop using inflammatory language that feeds the fascists and racists. We must challenge Islamophobia wherever it raises its head. We must reject those who want to divide our communities and set them against each other, and stand fast to the ideals of anti-racism, multiculturalism and respect for all.

Ken Livingstone, Former Mayor of London and Honorary President of UAF issued a statement on the Woolwich atrocities which can be read here

Don’t let the Nazi’s divide us

The racist English Defence League, were quick to exploit the Woolwich attack. They attempted to start a riot in the borough on the evening of the attack.

Also that night there were a number of reported attacks on Mosques around the country.

Both the BNP and the EDL have called seperate demonstrations, attempting to demonise all Muslims.

UAF is opposed to these fascist groups using the Woolwich tragedy to divide our communities and to increase racial tensions.

In conjunction with local anti racist groups, trade unions and faith groups UAF will be holding peaceful counter protests against the racists that are trying to divide us.

what you can do:

1. Build, support and attend our protests:

Anti EDL counter demonstration – Dont let the racists divide us

Monday 27 May 2pm – Downing Street, London SW1

Anti BNP counter protest

Saturday 1 June Woolwich south-east London (more details to follow)

2. Sign our online petition calling for unity against the EDL’s attempts to divide our communities. Click here for link

3. Download our petition for use in your community/workplace click here for link Dont let the EDL divide our communities

Last week saw the defeat of their only remaining councillor in Burnley. UAF campaigners played an active role there over the last decade, including their work to secure last week’s defeat, running a broad effective campaign which exposed the BNP’s fascism and encouraged all those who opposed them to use their vote. Burnley was one of the BNP’s strongest areas. A decade ago in 2003 the BNP gained 35% of the vote with eight councillors.

Following the disastrous result for the BNP, who stood over 90 candidates, it was reported that the BNP is encouraging their members to breed in order to ‘protect’ the white population!
(click here for full article)

The Doncaster Mayoral election saw a defeat for the English Democrats, who had won the previous election. They finished third polling 7.5% of the vote, dropping from the 22.5% vote share they received last time in the 2009 election. Outgoing Mayor Peter Davies left the English Democrats due to concerns at the influx of former-BNP members.

UKIP gained 139 seats, bringing their total number of councillors to 147. UKIP’s candidates were exposed in a number of articles alleging support for the EDL, (click here for full article) derogatory comments about the Holocaust (click here for full article) and the LGBT community (click here for full article). These indicate that whilst the vote for fascism has declined, racism and many of the sentiments that fuel its support are still present, with UKIP able to capture some of its previous support.

Whilst celebrating the victory, campaigners in the North West were quick to warn of avoiding complacency. The BNP came within 100 votes of taking a seat in Maryport South, which they have been eager to highlight. BNP leader Nick Griffin and former member Andrew Brons will be seeking re-election to the European Parliament next year. We only have one year to mobilise the biggest possible vote to stop Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons. UAF is initiating campaigns with the aim of a fascist-free Britain next year with our Nick Griffin Must Go and Andrew Brons Must Go electoral campaigns.
Click here to contact Griffin must go campaign recent activity for the campaign from Manchester UAF here
Brons must go petition

Unite Against Fascism (UAF) – a broad-based coalition, involving trades unionists, anti-racists, members of faith groups and others, in opposition to fascism and racism – has been campaigning for the past decade against the BNP in Burnley, where the far right party once held eight council seats, and was the official opposition on Burnley Council.

UAF supporters have been leafleting and campaigning in Padiham & Burnley West ward – held by BNP member Sharon Wilkinson. Although Wilkinson did not re-stand, the BNP defended the seat with another candidate. UAF say that the BNP is a fascist organisation and that the result in Padiham & Burnley West provides a springboard for the organisation’s Nick Griffin Must Go campaign. UAF launched this campaign in 2011, with the support of North West TUC, to remove Nick Griffin from his seat as Member of the European Parliament for the North West Region at the 2014 European Elections. The BNP also still hold a seat on Pendle Council.

Paul Jenkins, North West Regional Organiser for Unite Against Fascism said:

“The BNP is a Nazi party. UAF’s campaign in Burnley was based on exposing the BNP as a fascist organisation. In the 1930s, Hitler’s Nazis blamed the Jewish community for people’s problems. In the same way today, Griffin’s Nazi BNP try to blame the Muslim community for our problems. We must reject the BNP’s racism. After a decade, the people of Burnley have thrown out the last fascist BNP councillor there. However Nick Griffin remains MEP for the North West and only needs eight per cent of the vote to hold onto his MEP seat next year. By getting involved in UAF’s Nick Griffin Must Go campaign you can help make sure we stop the fascist BNP.”

for more info: northwest@uaf.org.uk

Their homophobia mirrors their racism and xenophobia. In 2009 MfE initiated a racist protest in Luton which resulted in scenes of violence and attacks on Asian businesses,individuals and places of worship. They were humiliated last year, when over 1000 Brighton locals gathered to ensure they couldn’t harass and harm people.

When the MFE said they were returning to Brighton, a broad cross-community alliance came together to oppose them. Brighton UAF worked with Caroline Lucas MP, teachers, rail workers, lecturers from the Universities, councillors, musicians, Greens, Labour supporters and LGBT activists, who combined to ensure that the Mfe’s Hate March would be rejected. The diverse cultures, backgrounds and faiths, who make up the vibrant city are something to be defended. LGBT groups gained confidence from knowing that the MfE’s threats would be met by people standing together, as one, against the far right. Sunday saw Brighton at its best. The English Disco Lovers bounced around on Marine Parade and mercilessly humiliated the MfE. Trades Unionists from the NUT, UCU and Unison, brought their banners. Rainbow flags caught the wind and the mood. Those of faith stood next to those of no faith, united in opposition to intolerance. Caroline Lucas MP, congratulated all on being there and said ‘it is crucial to stand up to hate, in all its forms’. It truly reflected Brighton, young, old, black, white, LGBT, straight, a joyous and proud mix of people, who stood together against the racists. Passers by waved or honked their support.

The MfE looked on, aghast, as so many had turned out to say they were not welcome. The final humiliation came when they exposed their Islamophobic ignorance by expressing disgust at what they thought was a new ‘mega mosque’…the Brighton Pavilion.

Mfe’s drunken crawl ended in humiliation when police rounded most of them up and bussed them out. In contrast, anti fascists marched through town, on a high. We were applauded by many from shops and cafes. This was another serious defeat for the far right, the unity on the day will live long in the memory.

(photo by Kelvin Williams)

See the contact details below to get involved

Staffordshire:

Tuesday 30 April 1pm Norton Canes (near Cannock) on Tuesday, starting at 1 pm. contact norscarf@yahoo.co.uk or 07778 913528.

Lancashire:

Cumbria
Saturday 27 April contact 0750 737 3609 or northwest@uaf.org.uk

Burnley
Sunday 28 April 12 noon contact 0750 737 3609 or northwest@uaf.org.uk

Doncaster:

Saturday 27 April 10.30am contact info@yhuaf.org.uk or 07782 149 645

Essex:

Saturday 27 April contact cpuaf@blueyonder.co.uk

Kent:

Sunday 28 April 11am contact 07807 938 633

Warwickshire:

Sunday April 28th in Nuneaton from 2:00 pm. contact 07941834125 or email sec@wmuaf.org.uk

Leicestershire:

Saturday 27 / Sunday 28 April contact leicesteruaf@gmail.com

Portsmouth & South Coast:

Saturday 27 April / Sunday 28 April Contact 07954 218 281

Speaker: Daniel Trilling, author of ‘Bloody Nasty People: a study of the rise of the British far right’ and Assistant editor of The New Statesman.

Monday 13 May
7pm Broadcasting Place
Leeds Metropolitan University
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds LS2 9EN

Although the latest wave of British fascism has suffered some signicant defeats in recent years, we cannot be complacent.

As the economic crisis continues, we are witnessing a rise in scapegoating of immigrant, Muslim and other communities. In the run up to the Euro 2014 elections and 2015 General election, this climate could embolden fascist parties, as it has done across Europe. This meeting is an important contribution to the ensuring the effectives strategy to defeat fascism.

The Mayoral election in Doncaster is an important election with both the English Democrats and National Front standing candidates. The English Democrats won the previous election however, Peter Davies recently resigned from the party upon discovering that the former members of the BNP were joining the English Democrats. The current Mayor is now standing as an independent.

The English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson is calling for a vote for UKIP in these elections saying ‘they are exactly what we say in a different way’.

Whilst the BNP are not standing as many candidates as they have previously, it will be using these elections to build their campaign for next year’s Euro elections.

The BNP are standing more than 5 candidates in the following areas:

Shropshire 5
Leicestershire 7
Lancashire 6
Essex 13
Cumbria 9
Warwickshire 8
Northamptonshire 7
Worcestershire 16

The English Democrats are standing more than 5 councillors in the following areas:

Kent 24
Northamptonshire 5

Unite Against Fascism will be co-ordinating days of action to raise awareness about fascists standing in these elections and to encourage all those who oppose them to go out and use their vote.

Further details will be posted here as they are confirmed so please keep checking the website. If you are interested in working with us and ordering our leaflet please contact us on info@uaf.org.uk

Days of action:

Staffordshire:

Thursday 25 April (ALL DAY) / Saturday 27 April 11:00 a.m. contact: 07778913528 Leafletting in Cannock Chase

Lancashire:

Cumbria
Saturday 27 April contact 0750 737 3609 or northwest@uaf.org.uk

Burnley
Sunday 28 April 12 noon contact 0750 737 3609 or northwest@uaf.org.uk

Doncaster:

Saturday 27 April 10.30am contact info@yhuaf.org.uk or 07782 149 645

Essex

Saturday 27 April contact cpuaf@blueyonder.co.uk

Leicestershire:

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April contact leicesteruaf@gmail.com

Portsmouth & South Coast:

Saturday 27 April / Sunday 28 April Contact 07954 218 281

Download UAF Stop the BNP leaflet for May elections stop the BNP leaflet 2013

Download list of candidates standing UAF 2013 Elections: BNP/NF/English Democrats /British Democrats Candidates

Brighton is a vibrant city where people of different
cultures, backgrounds, abilities and faiths come together. It has a positive and unique character which its residents enjoy and embrace.

Brighton people live here in the knowledge that they will be valued and that the things which make each individual different are celebrated here – not despised. We take pleasure and pride in being surrounded by humanity in all its exciting diversity.

Because of this it is very saddening to discover that the far right group March for England, a division of the violent and racist organisation the English Defence League, is to march in Brighton (in April 2013).

When groups like this come to Brighton it is because our multicultural city in all its diversity proves that their own doctrine of hate is wrong, and they want to damage our unity.

That is why we stand together: black, white and Asian; people of all faiths and of no faith; trade unionists; University,
students, whatever our sexuality.

And when someone tries to threaten our community we stand together even more firmly.

Supported by:
Brighton Trades Council
Brighton and Hove Unite Against Fascism
UCU- Brighton University
Brighton and Hove Unison
Unison Sussex Partnership
Brighton and Hove NUT.
University of Sussex Students Union
University of Brighton Students Union
Sussex Labour Representation Committee.
Brighton and Hove City Council BME Workers Forum.
Brighton Love Music Hate Racism
Caroline Lucas, Green MP Brighton Pavillion
Itch – King Blues
James Ledward –editor Gscene.
Jason Kitkat, Green Party Councillor, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council
Ollie Sykes Green Party Councillor, Brunswick and Adelaide Ward
Les Hamilton Labour & Co-operative Councillor, South Portslade
Liz Wakefield, Green Party Councillor, Hanover & Elm Grove
Pete West Green City Councillor for St Peter’s & North Laine Ward
Warren Morgan Labour & Co-operative Councillor for East Brighton
Phélim Mac Cafferty Green Party Councillor for Brunswick and Adelaide
Alexandra Phillips Green Councillor for Goldsmid ward, Hove
Rob Jarrett Green Party Councillor for Goldsmid ward
Ian Davey Green Party councillor for St Peter’s & North Laine ward
Simon Burgess, Labour, former leader, Brighton and Hove council.