Unite Against Fascism - North London

Islington UAF - Launch Public Meeting

2012-01-14T12:52:00.009Z

Unite Against Fascism

Celebrate Diversity
Defend Multiculturalism
Oppose Islamophobia
and Racism

Islington UAF will be holding a launch public meeting on Wednesday January 25th at 7pm in Finsbury Park Mosque (7-11 St Thomas’s Road N4 2QH). There is Disabled Access with internet @ Finspace 225-229 Seven Sisters Rd, N4.

The meeting is supported by Islington Trades Council, Finsbury Park Mosque, Islington Hands Off Our Public Services and Muslim Welfare House.
All are welcome to attend.

Speakers will include;

Jeremy Corbyn (MP for Islington North)

Imam Ahmed Saad (Finsbury Park Mosque)

Emily Thornberry (MP for Islington South & Finsbury)

Hassan Mahamdallie (Editor, 'Defending Multiculturalism)

Catherine West (Leader, Islington Council)

Rev. Jennifer Potter (Chair, Islington Inter Faith Forum)

Weyman Bennett (Joint National Secretary, Unite Against Fascism)

Mark Campbell (Chair London Met UCU & UCU NEC)

Click here to download a copy of the leaflet for the meeting. Please distribute.

Say NO to Nazi Bands in north London!

2011-07-12T14:12:00.007+01:00

More than 40 anti-fascists picketed the Slimelight (Electrawerkz) club on Saturday night (25^th June). The Islington venue hosted Sol Invictus and a number of bands with known fascist links. Slimelight’s manager May Uan Mak refused to cancel the concert despite telling a local reporter:

“These bands do have clear fascist connections…It would be impossible for me to deny that...Art can be fascist too. The fascist language can be just as powerful as any other language”

Many local residents passing by were shocked that such a concert headlined by a band that includes one member, Andrew King who recently released a song that includes lyrics about “monkey men” and “only the smell of blood will smother the smell of subhuman dung” and concludes “you’ll never kill the Aryan soul…White man was born for battle” should be taking place in their borough and a number joined the picket.

Although many going to the concert were unaware of Sol Invictus’ history, worryingly there were a number of concert-goers that sported swastikas and SS uniforms and were a direct insult and a threat to every Jew, Muslim, Black, Asian, gay and lesbian trade unionist and socialist who were horrified by the symbols of the Nazis that were responsible for the Holocaust that exterminated millions in Germany in the lead up and during the Second World War. An Islington councillor, James Murray spoke to the protestors promising that he would support the campaign to stop any fascist concerts taking place in the borough in the future.

Despite the protests, more bands stuffed with fascist sympathisers are billed to play at Slimelight on 1^stOctober. Headlining in October are Sutcliffe Jugend, led by Kevin Tomkins, who plays with a band called Whitehouse. Whitehouse leader William Bennett is quoted as saying how Whitehouse are "concerned with the struggle against the unhealthy Negroid influence in popular music". Another Whitehouse member Peter Sotos was convicted for possessing child pornography after he was busted by Chicago PD for producing a fanzine called Pure, in which Sotos says "females are dogs whose only worth is as pawns for my pleasure" and describes death camps as "Triumphs of Nazism". The local trades council, teachers, civil servants, lecturers and health service unions in Islington have pledged to back the campaign to stop Slimelight management allowing fascist bands a platform in the area.

LoveMusicHateRacism and Unite Against Fascism will continue to oppose the actions of Slimelight management, and will campaign for the cancellation of the gig in October.

We are holding a organising meeting at 7.30PM this Thursday July 14th at the Pleasance Bar (Near Caledonian Road Station). We invite all anti-racists and anti-fascists to attend.

Please contact LMHR north London: northlondon.lmhr@googlemail.com if you plan to attend.

Also.

National demo against racist EDL in Tower Hamlets: Saturday September 3rd.

Unite Against Fascism, together with United East End and other community organisations, is calling a national demonstration against the racist English Defence League on Saturday September 3rd.

Go here to download leaflets

The EDL is threatening to come to Tower Hamlets that day to spread race hatred and attack the local Muslim community.

Last year, around 5,000 people marched through Tower Hamlets in an impressive show of strength and unity against the EDL, although the racists had already been forced to call off their own protest, admitting it would be “a suicide mission” to attempt to march through London’s East End.

The East End of London has a fine tradition of standing up to racists and fascists. Local people blocked Mosley’s Blackshirts in the 1930s. They drove the BNP out of the borough in the 1990s.

More details of the 3 September anti-EDL demonstration will be released in due course following consultation with community and antiracist organisations.

Please note this date has changed – the event is no longer scheduled for August.

Say NO to Nazi Bands in north London!

2011-06-12T07:22:00.007+01:00

On Saturday 25th June, the Slimelight club in Islington will host a concert featuring bands with a history of fascist and racist links.

Love Music Hate Racism approached the Slimelight management, asking them to cancel the event because we believe racisma nd fascism have no place in our community. Hosting such events gives encouragement to racists and violent thugs everywhere.

Slimelight have refused to cancel.

Slimelight’s owner, May Uan Mak, insists the gig must go ahead, despite knowing the history and views of the bands, saying: “These bands do have clear fascist connections... It would be impossible for me to deny that” and “art can be fascist too. The fascist language can be just as powerful as any other language.”

Tony Wakeford, founder of the headlining group Sol Invictus, was an activist in the National Front. Since then, he has taken part in initiatives supporting the extreme right. He has often worked with known fascists, such as Michael Moynihan, who published a book which celebrates the random killing of Jews and mixed-race couples. One member of his band, Andrew King recently released a recording of a song with lyrics about “monkey men” and “only the smell of blood will smother the smell of subhuman dung”, and concludes: “you’ll never kill the Aryan soul... White man was born for battle”?

We believe that the majority attending the gig will not be racists or fascists, nor
be aware of the extrreme right wing links shared by Sol Invictus and their support acts.

This is certainly the case for most people who use and enjoy the venue on other nights.

We appeal to those fans to join Love Music Hate Racism, anti-racist groups, trade unionists, local activists and the diverse community in Islington in condemning this concert.

We believe that such associations are reason enough not to allow this concert to go ahead. We also believe that the vast majority of Slimelight fans reject the vile
beliefs of racists, and we call on them to join us in telling Slimelight to cancel the
concert."

SAY NO TO RASCISM AND FASCISM AT SLIMELIGHT!

Islington South Labour MP Emily Thornberry says: “It’s a shame and a disgrace that these peddlers of poison are playing in Islington. We have a proud history of tolerance in this borough”.

Contact Love Music Hate Racism on 020 7801 2781 or email northlondon.lmhr@gmail.com to get involved, or just come to show your support and help keep our streets racist-free.

Slimelight (Electrowerkz)
7 Torrens Street, Islington
Saturday June 25th 7pm

Billy Bragg heads list opposing Cameron on multiculturalism

2011-02-11T01:06:00.002Z

Thursday 10 February 2011

Billy Bragg heads list opposing Cameron on multiculturalism

Musician Billy Bragg, Comedian Mark Steel, NAPO general secretary Jonathan Ledger and Elaine Smith MSP head the list of people who have signed a petition opposing David Cameron’s attack on multiculturalism.

Hundreds of other people have also added their names to the petition, launched yesterday, after Cameron’s attack on multiculturalism and Britain’s Muslims sparked outrage.

>> Add your name and pass on this link http://is.gd/multicultural

Here are just some of the petition signatories today

Billy Bragg musician, Asian Dub Foundation band, Mark Steel comedian/writer, Tim Wilson national chair NAPO, Jonathan Ledger general secretary NAPO, Elaine Smith Member of Scottish Parliament, George Hickman national committee Unite/GPM, Clive Dixon chair Jaguar Land Rover Unite branch 5/590, Abjol Miah national chair Respect, Sarah Soyei Show Racism the Red Card, Mark Dolan CWU London Area rep, Salah Beltagui convenor Muslim Council of Scotland, Andy Lawson branch secretary PCS DWP North London, Cllr Nick Forbes Labour group leader Newcastle City Council, Duale Yusuf chair Somali Youth Congress, Kevin Deegan-Hall NORSCARF, Paul Mackney former general secretary UCU, Kambiz Boomla GP, Jim Board branch secretary Doncater Unison, Jolyon Jones branch secretary Solihull Local Government, Paul Brandon chair Right to Work campaign, Barry Levine Scottish Jews for a Just Peace, Ali Ahmed treasurer Bangladesh Association, Cardiff, Dave Rogers artistic director, Banner Theatre.

London Transport to Luton on 5th February

2011-01-25T11:14:00.002Z

Please note, the departure time has been revised for transport to Luton.

Calling all London UAF supporters:

Transport for Luton will now be leaving London at 8.30am, from York Way, London N1 (Kings Cross tube station).

Please contact the UAF North London to reserve your place (£6.50 per seat).

email: northlondon@uaf.org.uk
call: 07818553443

All antiracists and antifascists should be in Luton on Sat 5 Feb

2011-01-12T23:08:00.002Z

Wednesday 12 January 2011

All antiracists and antifascists should be in Luton on Sat 5 Feb

UAF is calling on antiracists and antifascists across the country to mobilise against the English Defence League in Luton on Saturday 5 February.

The EDL, a violent racist organisation with links to the British National Party and other fascist groups, has called a ‘protest’ on that day – they describe it as going ‘back where it all began’.

It is clear what they mean: the EDL was formed after masked racist thugs went on the rampage through Luton last year, attacking Asian residents and spreading fear and intimidation.

That is the reason they are targeting Luton again – their own publicity is designed to remind its supporters of their hate-filled history. They claim Luton will be their biggest demonstration yet.

They are refusing to cooperate with police and EDL divisions are planning to split up and roam around the town in groups to threaten and intimidate local residents, especially Muslims. Their aim is to go on the rampage again.

UAF believes we need to have a peaceful counter-protest that makes it clear racists aren’t welcome in Luton. We are urging people to gather in Luton town centre for a peaceful counter-protest.

Assemble: 12 noon, George Square, Luton

We will also be supporting local people who will be gathering in the Bury Park area, where many local Muslims live, to help defend local homes and places of worship.

UAF national officer Martin Smith said:

It’s time now to make a stand. We cannot allow racists to rampage through our towns, threatening and attacking Muslims or anyone else. We urge all antiracists and antifascists to come to Luton on 5 February, in the largest possible numbers.

Local UAF groups should organise transport to be in Luton by midday and to leave the town no earlier than 4pm.

Where antiracists and antifascists have turned out in numbers to show their opposition to the EDL and to support our diverse, multicultural communities, the EDL has been unable to run rampage as it did in Luton last year.

We need to build the widest possible opposition to the EDL and their anti-Muslim racism and violence. We need to stand up for unity in our community.

>> Read the statement supporting the Luton demo
>> Download leaflets
>> Read more about the Luton demo

Getting to Luton

We will have transport details from around the country shortly.

London UAF groups will be meeting up at York Way, next to Kings Cross station, at at 10.30am and will leave for Luton at 11am sharp. Please bring £6.50 towards transport costs if you are coming from London.

Photo: Balaclava-clad racists in Luton, May 2009. Copyright: Martin Spooner

2010-12-29T20:43:00.001Z

EDL backs down on Terry Jones: now stop home-grown racists

The English Defence League has backed down over its plans to invite Terry Jones – the anti-Muslim racist US pastor who sparked international outrage with calls to burn the Qur’an – to its demonstration in Luton on Saturday 5 February.

Jones is pastor of a church with just 50 members but his call to burn the Qur’an on the anniversary of 9/11 made him a key figure for anti-Muslim racists around the world.

The EDL, an organisation of racist thugs with links to the British National Party and other fascist groups, had boasted it was “proud to announce” that vicious racist and homophobic bigot Jones would speak at its demonstration in Luton on 5 February.

Backtrack

But the EDL has been forced to backtrack after its announcement sparked widespread revulsion among the public in Britain and abroad. The racist thugs did not have the confidence to carry through their invitation.

It has been reported that home secretary Teresa May was considering a ban on Jones. But that is not why the EDL backed off – home office bans on EDL marches in Bradford, Leicester and elsewhere have done nothing to stop the EDL from mobilising.

The EDL includes hardcore fascists who periodically try to “harden up” its racist support. From time to time, they test the water to see how far they can push their violent racism.

Mobilise

Where they have been pushed back this has been because the vast majority of ordinary people reject the EDL’s racism and violence and because antiracists and antifascists have been prepared to mobilise against them and demonstrate that opposition on the streets.

That is why it is essential that antiracists and antifascists turn out again to oppose the EDL in Luton on Saturday 5 February, when UAF is organising a major demonstration against them.

The EDL was formed after masked racist thugs went on the rampage through Luton last year, attacking Asian residents and spreading fear and intimidation.

That is the reason they are targeting Luton again – their own publicity is designed to remind its supporters of their hate-filled history.

Home-grown racists

The invite to US pastor Terry Jones was designed to whip up publicity for the EDL – but he is not the main event. The problem in this country is the home-grown racists of the EDL.

We need to build the widest possible opposition to the EDL and their anti-Muslim racism and violence.

The campaign to push back the EDL and marginalise their racist hatred must not be scaled back because Terry Jones will no longer be coming. Let’s show the EDL they are not wanted here either.

Saturday 6 November national demo: march route

2010-11-04T20:16:00.002Z

The national demo against racism, fascism and Islamophobia on Saturday 6 November will march through central London to parliament.

The demo has been called by UAF and our sister campaign Love Music Hate Racism, and backed by the TUC and the Muslim Council of Britain, along with a host of trade unions, artists, musicians, writers and community organisations.

Come and show your opposition to the racists of the English Defence League (EDL) and the fascists of the British National Party (BNP)!

UAF North London Public Meeting - CHANGE OF DATE

2010-10-11T16:26:00.004+01:00

Dear All,

Due to a number of events happening in north London on the Monday 18th of October, the UAF North London Public Meeting will now take place the following week, on Monday 25th of October at 7PM.

The Venue is unchanged.

Tottenham Chances, 399 Tottenham High Road, N17 6QN

We continue to build for the National Demonstration against Racism and Islamophobia on November 6th.

In the past week the Green Party have endorsed the event, joining the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Muslim Council of Britain. This broadening of support is of vital importance to the success of the demonstration, as is your support.

The scenes in Leicester this weekend clearly demonstrate the need for unity in the face of racism and Islamophobia. On Saturday the English Defence League descended on Leicester, attacking Police, Journalists, and Black and Asian people. The EDL have held over 30 demonstrations nationwide this year, bringing hate and violence with them. Over 800 local anti-racists joined the UAF demonstration in Leicester, with many more having to protect their community and places of worship.

We must not be complacent. The EDL and the Nazi BNP will not go away if we ignore them, we must show them that we oppose their poisonous ideas. November 6th is our chance to build momentum in the campaign against racism and fascism.

Contact UAF North London to get involved. We hope to see you at the public meeting.

uafnorthlondon@googlemail.com

UAF North London Public Meeting

2010-10-01T22:03:00.003+01:00

NORTH LONDON PUBLIC MEETING

MONDAY 18^th October 7PM

Tottenham Chances

399 Tottenham High Road

N17 6QN

Racism, Fascism, and Islamophobia are persistent threats to the unity of our communities in North London. We have beaten back the Nazi BNP in Barking, and continue to oppose the Racist English Defence League nationally. However, the economic crisis is seeing scapegoating on the increase. Immigration controls, deportations and further attacks on the rights of asylum seekers is being encouraged by the media and politicians alike. It is of vital importance that we continue to show our unity and oppose intolerance at every turn.

On Saturday 6^th November Unite Against Fascism and Love Music Hate Racism, supported by the Muslim Council of Britain and the TUC, will coordinate a national march and carnival against racism, fascism and Islamophobia in Central London.

http://uaf.org.uk/2010/09/add-your-support-for-6-nov-antiracist-demo/

North London UAF will hold a Public Meeting on Monday 18^th of October at Tottenham Chances to bring together all those who would oppose these evils in society. We must defend our multicultural community, our individual freedom to worship, and not be divided by hate and intolerance.

All are invited to attend. Also, we require volunteers to leaflet and staff UAF stalls, please contact uafnorthlondon@googlemail.com for more information.

Why it is right to peacefully oppose the EDL in Bradford on 28th August

2010-08-10T12:35:00.003+01:00

It is important that we oppose the EDL and stop them intimidating and terrorising communities. Please make sure you have booked your coach ticket to Bradford so that we can stop the EDL - email northlondon@uaf.org.uk for details.
http://uaf.org.uk/2010/08/why-it-is-right-to-peacefully-oppose-the-edl-in-bradford/

Keep Barking and Dagenham Nazi free!

2010-06-23T09:49:00.000+01:00

Barking and Dagenham Unite Against Fascism is organising a day of action on Saturday 26 June, to make sure we keep the Nazi British National Party out of the borough when voters go to the polls for a by-election.

A by-election will be taking place for a council seat in Barking and Dagenham’s Goresbrook ward on Thursday 8 July.

A massive campaign by antifascists drove the BNP off the council in May – they lost all 12 of their seats and their leader, Nick Griffin, was humiliated in his attempt to take the Barking parliamentary seat, coming in third with a reduced share of the vote.

Now we need to make sure we keep the borough Nazi-fre and don’t let the BNP sneak back in at the by-election.

Day of action details
Meet 11am, Saturday 26 June at Jazzie Jake Caribbean Grill, 8-10 North St, Barking IG11 (nearest tube and railway station: Barking)

We are calling on everyone who helped in the recent election campaign to get involved. For more information email barkingdagenham@uaf.org.uk or call 07969 630 056.

Please come along and bring friends and colleagues!

By-election: keep the Nazi BNP out of Barking

2010-06-03T12:35:00.002+01:00

East London's Barking and Dagenham council has announced a by-election in the Goresbrook ward. It is expected to take place in early July.

Due to a technical error, Louise Couling – one of the Labour councillors elected last month when the BNP were booted out of the borough – has been forced to resign.

The recent success against the Nazi BNP in the local and national elections in Barking and Dagenham has proved the power of the anti-fascist majority.

But as they have done in the past, the Nazi BNP will try to use the by-election to regain a foothold in the area. We cannot let them sneak back in through the back door.

Unite Against Fascism is organising a series of events – including leafleting, canvassing and a cultural event – in the Goresbrook ward to ensure the fascist BNP is kept out of the borough.

We are calling on everyone who helped in the recent election campaign to get involved. For more information contact Barking & Dagenham UAF on barkingdagenham@uaf.org.uk

Relief as BNP pulls plug on annual Red, White and Blue festival

2010-06-02T12:19:00.001+01:00

Full article available here: http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/crime/Relief-BNP-pulls-plug-annual-festival/article-2256609-detail/article.html

Hodge: Unite Against Fascism ‘vital’ to beating BNP’s Griffin in Barking

2010-05-25T20:51:00.000+01:00

Barking’s MP Margaret Hodge has acknowledged the contribution of campaign group Unite Against Fascism in the resounding election defeat of Nazi BNP leader Nick Griffin and his party’s council candidates.

Hodge said: “Unite Against Fascism was part of the winning strategy in Barking which focused on those areas where the BNP were strongest. Our emphatic victory on 6 May in the local and general elections is a reflection of the support we received from Unite Against Fascism who made a vital contribution to the campaign to drive the BNP out of Barking.”

She added: “UAF put in months of work that began before the elections. They knocked on thousands of doors and distributed many more leaflets. This helped to mobilise to beat the BNP and increase voter turnout which made such a difference in reducing the BNP’s vote.”

Hodge’s comments are cited in a post-election briefing on the UAF campaign.

Longstanding antifascist campaigner Peter Hain MP also praised the UAF campaign, saying: “The BNP's Achilles heel is that they live in the Nazi hinterland. Labelling them as Nazis was a central factor in defeating the BNP. It's great to see UAF organising like the Anti Nazi League.”

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of UAF, added: “The BNP has experienced its first defeat since electoral rise from the 2001 general election. It has lost 27 councillors - including 12 in Barking and Dagenham , held only 2 council seats and gained none.

“A big factor in the BNP's defeat was the rise in voter turnout because the local elections coincided with the general election so the BNP's vote was squeezed. However UAF's role was crucial because the BNP suffered a setback in the its key target areas of Barking, Stoke and Dudley where the BNP's vote was reduced from 2005 and UAF prioritised campaigning in these areas.”

Drubbing at the ballot box

In his introduction to the document, UAF joint secretary Weyman Bennett said: “The best news of the election was the drubbing the Nazi BNP received at the ballot box. First came the shattering defeat of Nick Griffin in Barking and Dagenham constituency in East London. In the BNP’s number one target seat and one which they thought they could win, Griffin came third with 6,620 votes (14.6% of the vote). Labour’s Margaret Hodge won with 24,628 votes (54.3% of the vote). Then came the glorious news that the BNP had lost every single seat it held on Barking council.

“This massive set back for the BNP was repeated around the country. It lost the large majority of the 31 council seats they were defending at these elections. They retained a seat in Pendle, but they lost the other 8 seats they stood for in the area. In Stoke, where Griffin bragged the BNP would take control of the council the BNP lost every seat including their three councillors up for re-election. They now have just four councillors on Stoke council. In Burnley the BNP lost all ten seats they were standing in, including the one seat up for re-election. Again in Barnsley they failed to win any seats, and in Sandwell the BNP lost two sitting councillors.

“Over the last two months hundreds of Unite Against Fascism activists campaigned, leafleted and canvassed in Barking. Across the country millions UAF leaflets were distributed, in Barnsley over 8,000 people attended the Love Music Hate Racism carnival and our anti BNP advan toured the country.”

Warning note

But Bennett also sounded a warning note, saying: “We must not be complacent. The BNP still got a worrying 563,743 votes across the country — and the combined vote of the BNP and UKIP was 1.6 million. The BNP are not going to disappear. The election setback for the BNP has seen tensions rise inside the organisation: there are a number of key members of the BNP calling for the head of Nick Griffin. There is also a strong possibility that sections of the BNP will be further drawn towards the racist street thugs of the English Defence League.”

Only 8 days left till the general election!

2010-04-28T14:30:00.001+01:00

In the last few days we need one big push to make sure we have done our best to stop the Nazi BNP making any gains in the upcoming general and local elections. Please come along to at least one of the events on the list and send me an email to say what you can come to.

Thursday 29th April - 9.30am "Love Marmite Hate the BNP" at the Royal Courtsof Justice, nearest tube Holborn. Unilever are taking the BNP to court re the Nazis alleged use of the Marmite brand in their recent party political broadcast. The fascist BNP have called for their supporters to attend as Fuhrer Nick Griffin will be heading up the Nazis' 'defence'. Lets join together in a show of unity against them polluting our streets with their hate. Please spread the word and bring banners,

Friday 30th April - 5.30 pm leaflet Finsbury Park tube for gig (if you can do your local tube, I can send you the leaflets to print off)

Saturday 1st May - 11.30am UAF Day of Action in Turkey Street. The BNP are standing an MP for this area, we need to show that they are not welcome. Meet at 11.30 am at Turkey Street station, we will have a stall outside the station where people can help. We will also be leafleting houses Hertford Road.

Saturday 1st May - 8pm Love Music Hate Racism gig at The World's End, Finsbury Park with the Counterfeit Beatles (flyer attached)

Sunday 2nd May - ALL OUT FOR BARKING Unite Against Fascism Day of Action
Stop Nick Griffin's bid to become Barking's MP and the Nazis taking over Barking/Dagenham Council; meet from 11am at Jazzie Jake Restaurant, North St, Barking, 1g11, nearest tube BARKING. for more details call 07969 630056.

Please email uafnorthlondon@gmail.com to confirm what events you can attend.

Dudley celebrates multi-culturalism and rejects the race hatred of the EDL

2010-04-06T11:59:00.002+01:00

On Saturday a number of coaches travelled from across the country to show solidarity with Dudley as Unite Against Facism held "One Dudley Many Cultures".

The carnival was brilliant with a wide range of speakers from Trade Unions and the inter-faith forum including David Walker, Bishop of Dudley, Cllr Pete Lowe, Lye & Wollescote, Khushid Ahmed, chair of Dudley Muslim Association, Steve Beardsmore, Unison, Jim Warner, Dudley Trades Council. Also, we were kept entertained with Dj's, drummers and other musicians.

In contrast, the EDL were marched to a disused car park on the edge of town. There were several violent clashes as they attempted to break through police lines to run riot through the town. Witnesses describe hearing several vile anti-Muslim chants from the EDL, including: "If you build your f—king mosque, we'll burn it down."

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of UAF, said: "Today was a success for anti-racists and anti-fascists. The EDL were forced to huddle in a car park on the edge of town. They showed their true colours when they unsuccessfully tried to break out and run riot. In contrast UAF and local anti-racist groups mounted a powerful show of unity against the EDL and their friends in the Nazi BNP.

"The policing of today's events in Dudley stands in sharp contrast to tactics used in Bolton two weeks ago. There the police marched the EDL into the centre of town and attacked the anti-racist protest. In Dudley the EDL were not allowed into the town centre and the anti-racist protest was allowed to go ahead unmolested. The authorities should take note when policing future such events."

From Dudley news - EDl begin to riot and get out of the police kettle, whilst police stand by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf_ttJjxtL0&feature=related

Video of the EDl rioting and the police condemning the EDL, also showing the UAF peaceful demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPUdBArUntw

All who oppose EDL need to take a stand. Join Unite Aganist Facism and get involved.

Victory in Bolton and the upcoming events

2010-03-23T12:21:00.002Z

On Saturday 50 people from North London travelled up to Bolton to join 3000 UAF protesters from across the country who successfully opposed the racist English Defence League's anti-Muslim rally.

The UAF protest was split up by the police - around 2000 UAF protesters held the north side of Bolton's Victoria Square from early morning and thoughout the day. A further 1,000 anti-racists were prevented from joining the main UAF demo until late afternoon. Once all the UAF supporters were finally allowed to gather together, they took part in an impromptu anti-racist parade through Bolton.

Around 800 EDL racists brandishing anti-Muslim placards were marched into the south side of Victoria Square by police at around 3pm. When a group of local Asian youths joined the UAF protest, the EDL responded with fury, hurling bottles and coins at the counter demonstration. The racists were hustled out of the square by police a short while later, around 4pm.

The scenes in Bolton on Saturday underline the urgent need for the trade union, anti-racist and workers' movement to mobilise against the EDL and the fascist BNP. We cannot stand by and let EDL racist thugs intimidate Muslims and spread terror on our streets.

We need to make sure all anti-racists and anti-facists are at Dudley on Saturday 3rd April to oppose the EDL's next demo. Contact uafnorthlondon@googlemail.com or 078453 291 469 for a coach ticket asap!

A few interesting links:
Analysis of the media coverage of Bolton - http://exposethebnp.com/2010/03/20/the-battle-of-bolton-and-the-media/
Video of the Bolton demo on Saturday 20th March http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np09fgMgpN4

BOLTON TOMORROW

2010-03-19T11:58:00.002Z

Only 2 tickets left for the coach to Bolton - get in contact now to get your ticket before they all run out.

It is set to be a good day tomorrow - around 60 coaches from across the country are heading to Bolton to show solidarity with the people of Bolton and to say NO to the racist EDL.

To make sure that it is an absolutely brilliant day, we need to make sure everyone who opposes racism is on a coach to Bolton. To get on the North London bus leaving Finsbury Park - call 07853 291 469.

National Demo against the EDL this Saturday!

2010-03-18T10:13:00.002Z

Only 3 full days left till Bolton - have you got your ticket yet? We are fast filling up on our second coach, so you must buy your ticket asap!

The racist English Defence League are hoping to march again - this time through Bolton - to whip up race hatred against Muslims. When they were allowed to march through Luton and Stoke recently they smashed cards, attacked shops and assaulted Asians. UAF have called a counter protest in Bolton this Saturday 20th March, meet 11 am at Victoria Square. It is ESSENTIAL that all anti-racists attend this demo - we are the majority and we need to show this to the EDL and BNP.

The coach will leave Finsbury Park at 6am and will bring us back - tickets cost £18 (students and employed can have a lower rate if needed). Please contact if you are interested, we need everyone there.

Email uafnorthlondon@googlemail.com or call 07853 291 469 to get a seat on the North London bus. If you need to catch a bus from somewhere else in London/England there are details of all other coaches on www.uaf.org.uk

UAF opposed the EDL march on London

2010-03-08T10:47:00.003Z

On Friday around 350 anti-facists confronted the racist EDL who marched on London to 'greet' Islamaphobe Geert Wilders at the Houses of Parliament, who was showing his film 'Fitna'.

Black and white, students, workers and trade unions came out to oppose the EDL, who were allowed to protest at Paliament by the police - despite a ban for all other groups. Anti-facists groups managed to mobilise 350 people at one day's notice and held the road for over two hours stalling the EDL. However, the police picked off the protest one by one and used dogs and horses to keep anti-facists kettled in, whilst they allowed the racist EDL to march.

The EDL chanted "Muslim bombers off our streets" and some were seen raising Nazi salutes as they passed UAF protesters. Members of the Nazi BNP were photographed on the protest, including Chris Renton from Weston Super Mare.

Anti-facists protesters continued to oppose the EDL until the end and were addresed by a number of union delegates and MPs. Steve Hedley of the RMT union said “The BNP have put on suits in an effort to get elected. But the EDL is their street fighting faction. These are our streets, they not going to be the Nazis’ streets.”

Jeremy Corbyn MP told anti-racists, “If we want a decent and democratic society free of racism then we have to stop the BNP and the EDL.”

The EDL cannot be allowed to march. All anti-racists and anti-facists must attend Bolton on Saturday 20th March to prevent the EDL terrorising ethnic minorites and whipping up race hatred.

Contact uafnorthlondon@googlemail.com to book your caoch ticket from Finsbury Park.

Picture by Guy Smallman - http://www.guysmallman.com/ - brilliant photos of the demo on Friday among others.

Emergency protest this Friday 11am!

2010-03-03T10:39:00.001Z

UAF demo against the rally called by the EDL to greet and support Gert Wilders, the Islamaphobic Dutch MP. Wilders has been invted to the House of Lords by Malcolm Everard MacLaren Pearson, Leader of UKIP, to show his racist film Fitna.

Wilders was banned from coming to the UK before due to his racist remarks. He has described the Netherlands as facing a “tsunami of Islamification” - the Netherlands Musilim population is 6%. Also, he has said that a “head rag tax” should be issued on Muslim women who wear headscarves.

Protest against this racist coming to whip up race hatred and bolster the BNP. The EDL have arranged coaches to bring people in and the police are allowing the EDL to march. It is crucial that we do not let the EDL march in London - we need a big crowd to stand up and show that these racist and thugs are not allowed on our streets.

It is vital that we get as many people down as possible - please tell all your friends/colleagues etc.

Say No to the EDL in Bolton! Saturday 20th March

2010-02-23T12:12:00.003Z

The racist hooligans of the English Defence League plan to descend on Bolton to terrorise ethnic minorities. Unite Against Fascism has called a national counter demonstration for all those who want to defend our multiracial society against the EDL's thuggery and violence.

The EDL visited Manchester in October and desecrated Muslim graves in the area. Then in January the EDL went to Stoke-on-Trent and the words "Islam scum" and "EDL" were daubed on a local mosque.

However, the Scottish Defence League tried to march on Edinburgh (Saturday 20th Feb 2010) and were stopped by a large gathering of 2000 anti-facists, trade unionists, students, lgbt groups and religious groups. Weyman Bennett, chair of UAF, said, “Today marks a turning point. The EDL and their sister organisations in Scotland and Wales said they could march anywhere. Well, today, we showed them that they can’t.”

If we stand united in large numbers we can stop the EDL threatening our community's. We have beaten the facists before and can do it again.

A coach will be leaving Finsbury Park to take all those who want to oppose the facists and want to protect our society. Email uafnorthlondon@googlemail.com to buy your ticket - only £16 return!

Full story plus the Bolton Unity Statement - http://www.uaf.org.uk/news.asp?choice=100219

UAF Conference - a big success!

2010-02-16T12:37:00.003Z

Over 600 people attended Saturday's conference to discuss how to take forward the campaign against the British National Party at the local and general elections this year.

Workshop sessions covered topics such as stopping the English Defence League, tackling racism and Islamophobia, and building anti-fascist campaigns in the workplace. The Love Music Hate Racism session unveiled plans for a series of anti-racist music festivals to take place across the country later this year.

Speakers at the conference included Margaret Hodge MP, Ken Livingstone, Dawn Butler MP, as well as Sabby Dhalu and Weyman Bennett from Unite Against Fascism. They stressed the importance of campaigning against the BNP in Barking, Stoke and other areas targeted by the fascists, while also mobilising to stop the threat of the English Defence League and other racist hooligan groups.

Margaret Hodge is MP for Barking, where BNP leader Nick Griffin is running for parliament. She told the conference: "The BNP is a vicious and evil party. They are bringing fear into the borough. The battle is on in Barking & Dagenham – but this is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to take them on and show that there is no place for the BNP in this country."

Ken Livingstone said: "We need to recognise there has been a surge in racism as result of the BNP electoral breakthrough last June. The EDL demonstration in Stoke last month was a fascist riot. We cannot let mainstream parties pander to prejudice and use dogwhistle politics. Don't give an inch to Islamophobia or racism."

Weyman Bennett said: "We face a fight on two fronts – against the Nazi BNP at the ballot box and against the EDL's racist thugs on our streets. We need to get everyone who opposes the racists and fascists to come to Bolton on 20 March to stop the EDL, and to Barking and Stoke in coming weeks to stop the BNP at the elections."

Get in contact now to get involved!

UAF Conference this Saturday!

2010-02-08T14:57:00.001Z

Remember sign up for the UAF Conference this Saturday. The day starts at 9.30am at the TUC Congress Centre in Central London, closest tube station is Tottenham Court Road. It is set to be a great day with a wide range of brilliant speakers attending.

UAF North London will have a caucus during the lunch break so that we can organise what we will do together over the next few months.

Book your place now at http://www.uaf.org.uk/news.asp?choice=91217

Stop Nazi Nick in Barking this Saturday 6th February

2010-02-04T10:18:00.002Z

This Saturday, UAF are holding a Day of Action in Barking to help stop Nazi Nick who is trying to gain a seat in Barking & Dagenham.

Our last day of action in Dagenham saw some 200 anti-facist turn up. Caroline from the Barking Says No campaign. "We're really grateful that so many people came to support to support our efforts in fighting the far right and their political agenda in this borough. I'd urge everyone to come along next time to help the local community in Barking say no to the BNP".

We are meeting at 1pm sharp at Barking tube station - come along for a couple of hours and help do your bit to knock back the Nazi BNP!

Sign up for the UAF Conference 2010

2010-02-02T19:44:00.003Z

Unite Against Fascism is holding its annual national conference on Saturday 13 February at the TUC Congress Centre in central London.

This will be a crucial event for everyone who opposes the fascist British National Party and wants to prevent it from making gains at the next general and local elections. It will also be a focus for all those resisting the rise of racist anti-Muslim groups such as the English Defence League.

The last year has seen the rise of the BNP - gaining 2 MEP's, Griffin on Question Time and now Griffin is standing to be an MP in Barking. BUT the BNP have not gone unopposed - UAF have mobilised large, high-profile demonstrations to fight the BNP. Also UAF groups across the country have regularly opposed the EDL in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

The next six months will be vital for turning the tide against the fascists. UAF stands for uniting everyone who wants to fight back against the BNP and EDL - black and white, gay and straight, people of all religions and none. Come along to our conference and find out how to join the movement.

More info http://www.uaf.org.uk/news.asp?choice=91217

Forthcoming events

2010-01-19T13:57:00.004Z

Day of action against BNP in Barking and Dagenham, Sunday 24 January
The racist British National Party (BNP) are planning to stand candidates in this year’s local council elections. BNP leader Nick Griffin will be standing in the general election in Barking.
Barking and Daghenham Unite Against Fascism have a called a day of action on:
Sunday 24 Jan 2010, 12pm, meet Dagenham Heathway Station
Contact: bardagunite@gmail.com or call 07946 850967 for more info & venue details

Ken Livingstone, Jon McClure, Tariq Ramadan and Speech Debelle to address Progressive London conference, Saturday 30 January
Saturday 30 January
10am–5.30pm Registration from 9am
TUC Conference Centre, Congress House, Great Russell St
London WC1 (nearest tube Tottenham Court Road Dominion Theatre exit)

To register for the event visit
http://www.progressivelondon.org.uk/conference/progressive-london-conference-2010.html

Members and supporters of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) may be interested in attending the Progressive London conference on Saturday 30 January (details above).

Speakers include: Ken Livingstone, Jon McClure Reverend and Makers, Speech Debelle Mercury Music Prize winner, Tessa Jowell MP, Sadiq Khan MP, Lembit Opik MP, Professor Tariq Ramadan, Karen Buck MP, Diane Abbott MP, Jon Cruddas MP, John Trickett MP, Darren Johnson AM, Jenny Jones AM, Edie Friedman Jewish Council for Racial Equality, Bruce Kent Vice-President CND, Anas Altikiriti British Muslim Initiative, Wilf Sullivan TUC, Steve Hart Unite Regional Secretary, Martin Smith Love Music Hate Racism and many others will join Unite Against Fascism.

Themes of the conference will include: Stopping the BNP – no concessions to racism, One Society Many Cultures - defending diversity, freedom of religious and cultural expression and rejecting Islamophobia

For full details of the conference, and latest updates visit www.progressivelondon.org.uk

UAF national conference
Saturday 13 February
9.30am – 5pm
TUC Conference Centre, Congress House, Great Russell St, London WC1 (nearest tube Tottenham Court Road)

Speakers include: Ken Livingstone, Margaret Hodge MP, Dawn Butler MP, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Michael Rosen, Billy Hayes Communication Workers Union, Dr. Muhammud Abdul Bari Muslim Council of Britain, Edie Friedman Jewish Council for Racial Equality, Wes Streeting NUS President, Martin Smith Love Music Hate Racism

Love Music Hate Racism gig, 22/01/10, 8pm at World's End, Finsbury Park!

2010-01-13T10:03:00.003Z

Stop the racists in Harrow this Sunday

2009-12-08T11:49:00.000Z

Anti-fascists from across London are set to come to Harrow this Sunday to defend the local mosque from racists for the second time this year.

A group called "Stop the Islamisation of Europe" - which brands all Muslims in Britain as "extremists" - is planning to march on Harrow Central Mosque on Sunday 13 December.

This group, together with the racist thugs of the English Defence League, tried to march on Harrow mosque on 11 September this year. But they were blocked by a magnificent turnout of 2,000 anti-fascists who defended the mosque and prevented the racists from getting near it.

Nevertheless there is no room for complacency. Despite being consistently outnumbered by anti-fascists, the EDL have been getting more aggressive at their anti-Muslim demonstrations.

Last Saturday in Nottingham they attempted to break through police lines and attack the UAF demo. UAF activists in Leicester and Hull received threatening phone calls from the EDL in the run-up to the Nottingham demo.

We need a similar show of solidarity this Sunday to show the racists that they are not wanted in multicultural Harrow. Assemble 12 noon, Sunday 13 December, on the pavement outside Harrow Civic Centre, opposite the mosque on Station Road (nearest tube: Harrow & Wealdstone).

What to do next....

2009-10-26T12:54:00.001Z

YouGov pols taken after Griffins appearance on Question Time show one in five voters considering voting BNP in future! The fascist all-white party claimed that a record 3,000 people had registered to join its ranks in the biggest recruitment night in... its history.

AS A MATTER OF URGENCY - JOIN Unite Against Fascism (UAF): please send us your £10 joining fee using our secure online payment facility http://www.uaf.org.uk/ and recruit 5 friends to join UAF too.

As Albert Einstein (who fled Nazi Germany in 1933, after Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany and very quickly legalized discrimination and persecution of Jews). said - the world can become an evil place not because of those that are evil but because of those who do nothing

It is vital that the anti-fascist movement steps up in response to meet the challenges of the Nazi BNP and its racist fellow travellers in the English Defence League. Unite Against Fascism has shown that we can be a rallying point for anyone who wants to take a stand against the Nazis and racists.

That's why we're appealing for people to do two things:

Join UAF today for £10 and help build the resistance needed to stop the BNP and EDL in their tracks.
Forward this email and help recruit 5 others to join UAF too.

To join UAF today, or to make a one-off donation, use our secure online payment facility at www.tinyurl.com/UAFdonate. Put "membership" or "donation" in the message box as appropriate.

Alternatively you can make your contribution through a regular monthly standing order by downloading our form, completing it and returning it to us at UAF, PO Box 36871, London WC1X 9XT.

Nazi Nick on QT

2009-10-23T14:28:00.003+01:00

Yesterday saw a fantastic response from anti-fascists around the country. Over a thousand protesters from many different backgrounds layed seige to the BBC in anger at the disgusting decision to legitimise racism by allowing Nick Griffin on to the flagship show. Around 25 UAF protesters even managed to push past police lines and make it into the BBC buildings.

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, described it yesterday saying "The protest was superb. It showed the scale of opposition to the fascists and it was everything Griffin and the Nazi BNP hate".

"We have exposed the Nazis and the liberal arguments of the BBC. The BBC were going for ratings and the BNP were going for racism. But we have laid down the basis tonight for a mass anti-fascist movement that can take the fight forward."

While we should be under no illusions, with Griffin's appearance giving the fascist BNP a boost and confidence to racist thugs to come out on the streets, much as the EDL have done since the Euro elections, yesterday's superb protest shows the willingness of ordinary people to resist fascism and racism.

Yesterday shows that now more than ever we can build an anti-nazi movement that can smash the BNP and show Nazi Nick that the politics of hate and division are not welcome in our society.

www.uaf.org.uk

2009-10-23T11:56:00.002+01:00

Shame on the BBC for inviting Nazi BNP leader Nick Griffin onto Question Time

2009-10-12T14:38:00.001+01:00

The BBC has confirmed that it is inviting Nick Griffin, leader of the fascist British National Party and a man with a criminal conviction for denying Hitler's Holocaust, onto its flagship Question Time programme on Thursday 22 October in London.

Unite Against Fascism condemns the BBC for extending an invitation to a Nazi. We are calling a demonstration outside Question Time at the BBC's Wood Lane centre to show our opposition to Griffin and the shameful decision to grant him a platform.

We encourage all anti-fascists in the London area to come to the demonstration and to apply for tickets to the Question Time audience. We are also encouraging people around the country to organise protests on the day outside their local BBC offices.

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of UAF, said: "The BNP is not a normal, democratic party. It is a Nazi party whose political agenda is to destroy democracy and wipe out ethnic minorities in Britain. By granting Griffin a primetime platform the BBC is in practice helping to legitimise the BNP and its politics of race hatred."

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of UAF, said: "We unequivocally oppose the BBC's decision to invite the fascist BNP onto Question Time. Giving fascists a prominent platform simply encourages their thugs on the streets to engage in racist, Islamophobic and homophobic violence."

John Denham is right to condemn the English Defence League as an anti-Muslim hate group

2009-09-15T20:29:00.000+01:00

John Denham, the secretary of state for communities, is right to compare anti-Muslim hate groups such as the English Defence League (EDL) to the fascists that marched against Jews in the 1930s.

The EDL has proved by its actions that it is an organisation of racist thugs intent on whipping up bigotry and hatred against Muslims in Britain. Photographs and video footage of EDL supporters taken in Birmingham earlier this month clearly shows them making Nazi "seig heil" salutes and chanting disgusting racist slogans .

The latest EDL attempt at intimidating Muslims comes today (Sunday 13 September) when the organisation attempts to disrupt the annual Al Quds Day demonstration in London. The Greater London Authority has disgracefully capitulated to EDL threats and handed London's Trafalgar Square over to its thugs.

Unite Against Fascism condemns the EDL and its affiliated groups and calls people to show solidarity with Muslims in Britain currently under sustained attack from racists, bigots and fascists.

As Ken Livingstone, chair of Unite Against Fascism and former mayor of London, said last week in response to the EDL's aborted march on Harrow Central Mosque: "If anyone were to call a demonstration outside a synagogue or church, this would rightly provoke a national outcry.

"There should be exactly the same response from the government, politicians, all religious faiths and the media to the call for a demonstration outside a mosque. The only possible meaning of this event is a protest against Muslims and Islam – a religion followed by more than a billion people in the world.

"People should wake up to the fact the protests outside mosques are taking us back to the fascism of the 1930s when fascist thugs marched against Jews and their places of worship. These demonstration should be condemned and banned on the grounds of blatant religious discrimination and a threat to public order."

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of UAF, added: "In the 1970s the National Front used to organise racist demonstrations against black people through 'anti-mugging' front groups. Today the EDL and other racist and fascist organisations use the issue of 'Islamic extremism' in exactly the same way.

"Nobody should be taken in by the EDL's pretence that these marches and rallies are not aimed at whipping up race hatred against Muslims and Asians. Their 'protests' are racist demos and we should not allow them to take place."

Article taken from ww.uaf.org.uk

Say no to the fascist BNP on Question Time

2009-09-14T13:25:00.002+01:00

We are appalled by the BBC's decision to invite Nick Griffin, leader of the fascist British National Party, onto its flagship Question Time programme. Griffin is a noxious racist and neo-Nazi. He has a criminal conviction for incitement to racial hatred for publishing an antisemitic magazine that denied the Holocaust.

The BBC justifies its actions by claiming that the BNP should be treated just like any other party. But no other party has a "whites only" membership policy. No other party burns golliwogs at its "family festivals". No other party has a history of deep involvement in Nazi politics and supporters with a record of organising racist violence against minorities.

The BNP is not a democratic political party. It is a fascist organisation that should be shunned by wider civil society. As a publicly funded body, the BBC in particular has a duty to oppose racism. Black, Asian, Jewish and LGBT people pay the licence fee too. It is their rights to live free of hate that the BBC should be protecting, not those of BNP bigots.

Like all fascist organisations the BNP craves respectability and pretends to be democratic in order to further its real agenda of attacking democracy and spreading bigotry. By inviting Griffin onto Question Time the BBC is playing into the BNP's hands and thereby, however unintentionally, aiding the fascists.

We call on the BBC to stop rolling out the red carpet to racists and stop giving succour to the BNP by inviting its bigots on to our airwaves. The BBC should reverse its decision to invite Griffin onto Question Time – and start taking a robust stand against racism and fascism.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Sign this statement by sending an email marked "Question Time" to unite@ucu.org.uk
Complain to the BBC by phoning 03700 100 222 or the BBC's online form
Join the Facebook group protesting at the BBC decision
Take the UAF petition round your workplace or community
Make a donation to Unite Against Fascism

Emergency unity protest

2009-09-12T19:09:00.001+01:00

Protest tomorrow against anti-muslim racist bigots including the BNP-linked English Defence League.

Sunday 13th September - Trafalgar Sq 11.30am

The day we went to Codnor...

2009-08-21T16:14:00.002+01:00

Two activists from North London discuss their experience of kettling the BNP's fascist festival in Codnor:

Not having been on a demonstration for many years, I decided to take part in the demonstration in Codnor to help show the strength of feeling against the BNP. What I saw was peaceful - while very vocal! - protest and appropriate policing. I'm pleased that the police allowed the marchers much closer to the BNP site than they did last year though the heavy police presence felt overwhelming much of the time. Having around 1500 of us from all over the country marching showed how many people oppose the BNP. It was inspiring to meet so many different people who believe in fairness and justice for everyone, whatever their background.

But the immediate reason that I actually went on the march was because I was invited and helped to do so by UAF North London. I felt that I would be with a group of trustworthy people who would look out for me in a hectic, crowded and potentially hostile setting and who would not put me at risk through their actions. I'm very pleased that this turned out to be the case and that's the reason why I would be prepared to do it again and to encourage friends to join in.

Cheers, Julia

I went to demonstrate purely against the BNP and the ideas they represent, not as a socialist. It was actually my first demo and found it interesting how big a part the SWP played. The demonstration went well, and seemed highly successful. I was impressed with the general atmosphere of the protest with everyone keen to ensure a peaceful demo.

I strongly believe the UAF and the other organisations there at the weekend to protest were triumphant in harming the fascist festival and I hope this can continue in the future. But I also hope that in the next few years it will no longer be necessary to stage these protests, through education the BNP will hopefully realise the world no longer needs such cruel hatred.

David

The photo above shows BNP supporters making their way to the Red, White and Blue Festival under police protection. Three people from this group were subsequently arrested and charged with racially aggravated public order offences by the police . You can read more about this here

All photos used in the blog post are copyright Jess Hurd www.reportdigital.co.uk

Stop the BNP's fascist rally.

2009-08-03T18:43:00.002+01:00

Unite Against Fascism is calling on anti-fascists across the country to converge on Codnor, Derbyshire, at 9am on Saturday 15 August to protest against the British National Party rally taking place in the village that weekend.

UAF supporters intend to "kettle" the rally by surrounding it with protesters. This action will demonstrate that the vast majority of people in this country reject the Nazi politics of the BNP.

The BNP pretends that its annual "Red, White and Blue" event is a harmless family-oriented "patriotic" festival. In reality it is aimed at promoting the BNP's fascist agenda to both its hardcore followers and its softer supporters. Previous years have seen SS marching songs played as "entertainment" at the rally.

North London coach departs Finsbury Park station @ 6am on Saturday 15th August. Departs Codnor at 4pm. The cost of tickets is £15 unwaged and £20 waged.

Contact us to get involved.

Report from UAF National Conference in Manchester

2009-07-18T20:31:00.003+01:00

Just back from the UAF National Conference in Manchester, people from across the country packed into Manchester's Central Hall to discuss UAF strategy in the wake of the European election reuslts.

There was a vibrant debate about the no platform policy and what it actually means in concrete terms, given their inevtiable increase in visibility in the media, we may need to revaluate this positon to ensure that the anti fascist does end up no platforming itself - for now we will continue to fight for no platform.

The conclusion of the conference was that the fight against the BNP needs to intensify, and grow rapidly uniting as many different trade unions, community groups, acitvists, youth organisations, politicans, students and anyone else who wants to stand up to the fascist BNP.

The most important thing in the UAF calendar is mobilising in Codnor, Derbyshire on Saturday 15 August, 9am to stop the BNP holding a fascist 'victory' rally which is dubbed the Red, white and blue festival. See the blogpost below for details of coaches to Derby and feel free to email if you want to get involved.

The fight against fascism is entering a new serious phase and it is essential that there is no complacency. See you at Codnor!

Converge on Codnor to stop the BNP rally

2009-07-18T20:28:00.001+01:00

Download A5 leaflet here

Download a list of coaches to Codnor here

UAF supporters intend to "kettle" the rally by surrounding it with protesters. This action will demonstrate that the vast majority of people in this country reject the Nazi politics of the BNP.

The rally will also be a magnet for neo-Nazis across Europe. Last year the BNP invited guests including Czech neo-Nazi Petra Edelmannova who has called for a "final solution to the Gypsy issue" and Sweden's Marc Abramsson, a Swedish fascist who campaigns for "racially pure kindergartens" that exclude non-white children.

This year's guests are likely to include representatives of Jobbik, a violently racist Hungarian Nazi party that organises pogroms against Roma people.

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said:

"The BNP's 'Red, White and Blue' is a nothing more than a festival of race hatred. The fascists will use their rally to harden up its supporters and build its army of thugs. Wherever the BNP organises, racist violence follows.

"Allowing this festival to go ahead will mean more race hatred and racist attacks on our streets in the months to come. That is why it is so important for anti-fascists to come to Codnor in huge numbers to surround the BNP's rally.

"The presence of two BNP Nazis in the European parliament also poses challenges for anti-fascists. We need to build the broadest possible movement against the BNP with roots in communities across the country."

UAF North London Public Meeting

2009-06-29T09:50:00.003+01:00

Come along and get involved in the campaign to stop the fascist BNP, at the meeting we will dicuss the implications of the European elections and what we as a local group can do next.

TONIGHT - 7.30pm
Tottenham Chances
399 High Rd, London, N17 6QN‎

UAF Public meeting postponed until Mon 29th

2009-06-17T18:41:00.002+01:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the planned UAF public meeting will now take place one week later at the same venue and time.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, and we hope you can still make it along

UAF North London Public Meeting

2009-06-17T11:39:00.000+01:00

It has never been more important to unite in our local community to fight the BNP. The election of fascist MEPs requires a response from people on the ground, we need to send a message to the nazi BNP that the majority of people do not support them.

This meeting aims to galvanise local anger and turn it into activism, please come along and find out what activites we have planned for the coming weeks and months.

www.uafnorthlondon.blogspot.com

Monday 22nd June - 7.30pm
Tottenham Chances
399 High Rd, London, N17 6QN‎

Interview with Nick Margerrison Kerrang Radio

2009-06-15T16:09:00.003+01:00

I was interviewed on Kerrang radio last night to discuss chasing off Nazi Nick and his cronies last Tuesday at College Green. This was a great opportunity to raise awareness to more young listeners of the rise of the Nazi BNP and what we can do stop them. Nick's show has 1.5 million listeners, so this will hopefully have encouraged more people to join UAF and get involved in their area.

You can listen to the show on http://www.whatson.com/kerrang/, and go to "The Night Before" on the Sunday section. Its about 30 minutes into the show.

Stuart Curlett

UAF North London

UAF North London Public Meeting

2009-06-11T22:46:00.001+01:00

CHUCK A CHAPATTI TIME!

2009-06-11T14:05:00.002+01:00

A BIZARRE campaign has been launched offering cash to those who bombard BNP nasty Nick Griffin with ETHNIC food.

The far-right chief had to abort his Euro MP success speech outside Parliament this week when he was pelted with eggs by political opponents. Now a website is offering a £200 reward to those that dare to chuck a chow mein, fling a fajita, launch a lamb tikka or hit him with a volley of vindaloo.

A spokesman for the site – www.bragster.com – said: “He will be out and about a lot in the coming days, so now is the time to strike. “Let’s show him just how much fun international diversity can be.”

The dare, which must be supported by video or photo proof, came as Griffin showed signs of cracking under the political strain yesterday by clutching a box of eggs. It was supposed to be a dig at the protesters who targeted him.

Instead of raising a chuckle, the 50-year old was once again hit by a deafening barrage of chants including “Nick Griffin Is Fascist Scum” and “Nazi Scum Off Our Streets”.

Griffin was throwing a press conference after winning a North-West seat to become a Euro MP for the BNP. He was barred from staging the conference at Manchester Town Hall, so he picked the nearby Ace of Diamonds pub, run by Derek Adams, who stood unsuccessfully to become a BNP councillor.

Union flags were strewn around the bar room as police kept around 50 protesters waving Unite Against Fascism banners at bay. Sipping half a pint of bitter, Griffin tore into all the mainstream political parties and said: “I think it’s very sad to see that hostile mob.

"They are allowed to register a protest but should not be allowed to get away with this level of violence and abuse on the streets of Britain.”

Griffin was one of two BNP candidates elected as an MEP last weekend. Andrew Brons, 61, won the other for Yorkshire and Humber. Griffin won his seat despite his party polling only 8% of the North-West vote.

Taken from www.dailystar.co.uk

CHASING OFF NAZI NICK

2009-06-11T13:57:00.005+01:00

I was one of the people that went at the last minute to College Green, triumphantly chasing off Nick Griffin and his fascist cronies from the press conference that he attempted to set up. It was a great achievement to catch Griffin in the middle of spouting his lies to the press. Seeing his terrified, egg-covered face as he ran away was satisfying to say the least!

This was a great achievement - Not only because we managed to chase him off that day, but also due to the amount of media coverage achieved. Having Martin Smith and Weyman Bennett on the news exposing the BNP's fascist views has already inspired people all over the country to get involved.

This is not the end by any stretch of the imagination. The BNP's election in Yorkshire and the North West has given them more airtime, more money to spread their propaganda, and more connections with other fascist parties already at large in Europe.

Nick Griffin will also now be under a lot pressure from the more militant members of his group to start to march on the streets. We need to be there in the largest numbers possible to make sure that we show them that these are OUR streets, and this country does not tolerate racism of any kind.

This is why we need you to sign up to UAF today and get involved in the fight. Unity is the key to stop these Nazi scumbags and show that they don't represent us.

Black and White. Unite and fight. Smash the BNP.

Stuart Curlett - UAF North London

www.uaf.org.uk

Media coverage of the yesterday's UAF protest

2009-06-10T11:36:00.003+01:00

Martin Smith on Newsnight

2009-06-10T11:28:00.002+01:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/newsnight

Griffin's press conference halted by UAF

2009-06-09T20:44:00.001+01:00

Martin Smith from UAF on Channel 4 news

2009-06-09T20:43:00.001+01:00

Griffin forced to abandon press conference by UAF protesters

2009-06-09T15:07:00.009+01:00

UAF reaction to Euro election results: We must confront the fascist British National Party

2009-06-08T13:36:00.000+01:00

DEMONSTRATE: anti-Nazi protests called for TODAY: Liverpool, 5.30pm, Town Hall; Manchester, 5.30pm, Piccadilly Gardens; Sheffield, 5pm, Town Hall; Preston, 6pm, Flag Market

Last night saw the fascist British National Party (BNP) gain its first two seats in the European parliament. BNP candidate Andrew Brons, a former stalwart of the National Front and a lifelong Nazi, narrowly took the final MEP place in the Yorkshire & the Humber region. The fascists polled 120,139 votes, representing 9.8% of the vote as compared to 8.0% in 2004.

BNP leader Nick Griffin took the final MEP place in North West England in the early hours of today. Griffin, who has a criminal conviction for incitement to racial hatred, polled 132,094 across the region, or 8.0% of the vote as compared to 6.4% in 2004.

Peter Hain MP, secretary of state for Wales, said:

"It is a shameful stain on Britain that we now have racists and fascists representing our country. It is vital that everyone now isolates and confronts the BNP and works with Unite Against Fascism to defeat them."

Ken Livingstone, chair of Unite Against Fascism, said:

"The economic crisis and abuse of MPs' expenses have provided fertile ground for the extreme right. It is no surprise in these circumstances to see an electoral breakthrough for the BNP, a fascist party, in Britain.

"The BNP claims to be a normal political party. In fact they are 21st century Nazis. As in the 1930s they exploit people's anxieties in an economic crisis to scapegoat minorities and ultimately threaten all our democratic freedoms.

"Wherever the BNP wins elections, racist attacks increase. Nobody should use the BNP result as an excuse to capitulate to racism. That is exactly the approach which has helped them get this far and it would help to get them further.

"Unite Against Fascism is committed to the broadest progressive alliance against the BNP -- linking all democrats, trade unions, minority communities and the great majority of society against every kind of racism and fascism."

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said:

"This is a turning point in British politics. It is the most significant electoral success to date for a fascist party in this country. It threatens to normalise the presence of the BNP on the political scene in a similar manner to Jean-Marie Le Pen's Front National in France.

"We cannot allow this to happen. It is vital that we mobilise the largest possible mass movement across every walk of life to stop the fascist BNP and drive them out of the political mainstream.

"We have done this before when working people rose up in unity to defeat Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists in the 1930s. We did it in the 1970s when the Anti Nazi League drove the National Front of the streets. Now it is our duty to inflict the same defeat on the British National Party."

URGENT: your vote can stop the BNP from gaining seats in tomorrow's election

2009-06-03T20:46:00.001+01:00

There is a serious danger that the fascist BNP will gain seats in the European elections tomorrow if people don't turn out and vote against them. Your vote can make the difference between the BNP winning and losing.

The time to act is now – make sure you vote against the BNP, and make sure all your friends, colleagues and family understand how important it is for them to get out and vote.

Love Music Hate Racism Festival in Stoke

2009-06-01T14:57:00.008+01:00

Over 20,000 people attended the LMHR festival last weekend in Stoke, the North London crew were out in force to unite with people from around the country, who are determined the fascist BNP must be stopped.

The atmosphere was electric, with live music from Kelly Rowland, Pete Doherty, Reverend and the Makers, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Kano and Beverley Knight to name but a few. The inspriational event sent a clear message to the BNP throughout the country - you do not speak for us and you never will. There are loads of photos of the event on www.lovemusichateracism.com, and there are a few of our own below.

With only 3 days to go, activity around the country is gearing up. Wednesday is another national day of action and UAF in North London will be covering a number of tube stations on the day, if you want to get involved please contact us asap - anything you can do could make a difference. If you can't make it to a tube station, you can flyer your street, college, workplace, community centre etc - contact us for leaflets in North London or contact UAF direct www.uaf.org.uk

Love Music Hate Racism Festival in Stoke

2009-05-22T15:03:00.005+01:00

Tickets are still available for the festival next Saturday. UAF North London has arranged transport both to and from the festival, if you would like to reserve your place on the coach and/or buy a ticket for the festival, drop us an e mail to uafnorthlondon@gmail.com

Update: Pete Doherty has now confirmed that he is co-headlining the much anticipated event.

Buckingham Palace must withdraw its invitation to the Nazi BNP

2009-05-22T14:59:00.003+01:00

Following the revelation of the BNP invite to the Queen garden party, UAF released the following statement:

Unite Against Fascism, the national campaign against the British National Party (BNP) and other fascist organisations, today called on Buckingham Palace and the Greater London Authority to withdraw the invitation to the Queen's annual garden party issued to the BNP's Richard Barnbrook.

Barnbrook says he will bring the BNP's leader Nick Griffin as his guest to the garden party. Griffin has a criminal conviction for incitement to racial hatred for publishing a neo-Nazi magazine that claimed Hitler's Holocaust did not take place.

London mayor Boris Johnson and Darren Johnson, chair of the London Assembly, have both expressed their opposition to Barnbrook bringing Griffin to the royal event. But they have not expressed any objection to Barnbrook being invited in the first place.

This latest invite comes shortly after Barnbrook was invited to and attended the official launch of the England 2018 football World Cup bid. It marks a disturbing trend of official bodies turning a blind eye to the true nature of the BNP and treating the party as if it were a legitmate and acceptable organisation.

In fact the BNP is a racist, fascist organisation dedicated to creating an "all-white Britain". It declares that black and Asian people in this country are "racial foreigners" and calls for them to be "repatriated". Those who extend official courtesies to the BNP are helping to make the organisation's vicious racism appear respectable.

Weyman Bennett, joint national secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said: "Buckingham Palace, the London mayor's office and the Greater London Authority should stop prevaricating and rescind Barnbrook's invite immediately. Anything less would be a slap in the face for ethnic minorities in Britain and an insult to anyone who defends our multiracial society.

"If they do not, Unite Against Fascism will host an 'alternative garden party' on 21 June to demonstrate against the fascist BNP -- and against those institutions that would rather hobnob with Nazis than take an unequivocal stand against racism."

Taken from www.uaf.org.uk

Love Music Hate Racism

2009-05-20T14:22:00.009+01:00

Last Friday UAF North London hosted an open mic night in Palmers Green to raise awareness of the threat posed by the BNP in the forthcoming elections. The night was a huge sucess with hundreds of people showing up to see the best local musicans play for Love Music Hate Racism, the event raised just under £200 for the local campaign. We would like to thank everyone that showed up and special thanks to all the musicans that took part.

There are more photos available on our facebook group, which you can join to get involved in our activites.

Upcoming activities include:

LMHR Open Mic Night - Friday 8 pm

2009-05-14T11:33:00.002+01:00

UAF North London is holding the first of our live music events in Palmers Green. The open mic night is taking place on 15th May at 8 pm in the The Fox.

The gig is one element of our campaign to raise awareness in the local community about the rising threat posed by the BNP, with a particluar focus on the upcoming European elections.

Please come along and support this worthy cause, oh the people already confirmed to play are awesome and the pub is cool and sells cheap booze, so no excuse really?

Map including directions available here

For further information, or if you would like to get invovled in our campaign please contact us:

uafnorthlondon@gmail.com or call 07794690091

www.lovemusichateracism.com

Register to vote on June 4th

2009-05-06T17:01:00.001+01:00

If you are not registered vote yet, you can do so here:

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/

Enfield Independent article

2009-05-05T11:05:00.000+01:00

UAF North London's open mic night is featured on the Enfield Independent website.

Check it out at: http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/4337700.Music_lovers_unite_against_BNP/#show

Please leave your comments on the article.

London United Against the Fascist BNP

2009-04-30T10:26:00.002+01:00

Last night people from all over London attended a public rally, called by Unite Against Fascism and sponsored by the National Union of Teachers, to stop the fascist BNP gaining a electoral foothold in Britain. Hundreds of people from across London heard from trade unionists, Steve Chandra Savale (aka Chandrasonic from Asian Dub Foundation), Weyman Bennet (Joint Secretary of UAF), Wes Street (President of NUS), Martin Smith (Love Music Hate Racism), Glynn Ford MEP and Dr Abdul Bari (Muslim Council of Britain).

The rally begun on poignant note with the 30^th Anniversary of the death of Blair Peach , with Jo Lang a close friend of Blair Peach describing the day he was murdered, and how police violence continue today. She fully endorsed the campaign to fight BNP and is actively doing so with The Friends of Blair Peach Committee.

The rally continued with stirring speeches from all members of the teaching trade unions including the acting General Secretary of NUT, Christine Blower. She encouraged local groups to seek funds from their local NUT branches, as the NUT now has a national political fund which is being used to fight the BNP.

Martin Smith from LMHR reminded the rally, that the next six weeks is crucial in the fight against fascists in this country, people need to be reminded that it is now immigrants that cause job losses and deprivation in their communities, but it is the incompetent bankers and businesses that continue to leave people destitute across the country. To rapturous applause, he also reminded the rally that fight against right wing media such as the Daily Express, The Mail, The Telegraph and the BBC that all offer a platform to the BNP, should be challenged.

Overall, the message was clear we have a lot of work to do over the next six weeks if we want to stop the BNP from gaining seats in the European parliament, an emphasis was placed on exposing the BNP for what they really are - Nazi thugs.

The rally was a chance for UAF groups across London to come together to share ideas, and to co-ordinate efforts for Unity Friday, 1^st May, which will see local groups leaflet tube and train stations across London to raise awareness of the very serious threat the BNP poses in the forthcoming election. The electoral system used for European elections favours smaller parties and BNP need around 8.5% to get elected – so every vote counts. We must encourage people to register before 19^th May and use their vote on June 4^th.

The task ahead is monumental, all UAF groups and people who want to stop the BNP need to mobilise now in their workplaces, trade unions and local communities. To get involved in the campaign at this crucial time, please contact: uafnorthlondon@gmail.com or for people in different areas contact www.uaf.org.uk direct.

Peter Hain warns BNP could get £2m EU funds

2009-04-29T14:37:00.001+01:00

The British National party could transform British politics and get up to £2m from the EU if the main political parties fail to prevent the far right organisation from winning six seats in the European elections in June, Peter Hain, the former cabinet minister and founder member of the Anti-Nazi League, warns today.

Hain also urges his own party to get its act together at the grass roots to fight the BNP in the elections. Some close allies of Gordon Brown, such as his former parliamentary aide and current government whip, Ian Austin, argue that the best way to combat the BNP is not to predict its success, but to tell the truth about its extremism, and to combat it at local level.

But Labour acknowledges at the highest levels that the elections could transform the BNP from a fringe party at local elections to a national party with European funding. There is also a debate on whether leaders of established political parties should steer clear of leading the fight against the BNP. Campaign groups such as Searchlight, the anti-fascist magazine, believe that attacks from mainstream Westminster figures will only add to the BNP's anti-establishment credentials.

In an article for the Guardian, Hain warns: "Winning European seats would secure an unprecedented platform, and entitle the BNP to draw down hundreds of thousands of euros from Brussels indirectly to buttress their full-time personnel and organisation. With unemployment and job insecurity rising, with some major construction sites appearing to bar local unionised labour, and affordable housing in short supply, these are classic conditions for the BNP's racist and fascist politics to thrive."

Austin, one of Labour's most respected anti-BNP campaigners, said: "The BNP are not a mainstream political party and we won't beat them by saying how many seats they could win."

Taken from Guardian.co.uk

MP for Hornsey and Wood Green adds her support to our campaign

2009-04-21T19:04:00.007+01:00

I Lynne Featherstone MP for Hornsey and Wood Green sign the UAF statement:

‘For evil to triumph all that is necessary is that good people do nothing.’

We call, as a matter of the greatest urgency, for the broadest unity against the alarming rise in racism and fascism in Britain today. The fascist British National Party now has a record 54 councillors across Britain. They are poised to field candidates in the 2009 European parliament and local government elections in what they hope will be the biggest electoral assault ever mounted by the far right in this country. The BNP is now trying to present itself as a “respectable” political party. In fact it is a fascist party.

Currently they seek to attract votes on the basis of racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and the vilification of refugees and asylum seekers. But fascists also stand for the expulsion of black and Asian people from this country, the destruction of the trade unions and the elimination of basic democratic rights. We believe that this dangerous situation requires a new and united response from all those dedicated to freedom and democracy. Now is the time for all of us to combine our forces and unite in a broad and common front against this common threat.’

I would like to add the following: The hideous bile of the far right must never rise again. I will do all I can to ensure that the BNP or any others who seek to perpetrate a racist agenda find no place in Hornsey & Wood Green or anywhere.

London united against the fascist BNP

2009-04-19T19:06:00.002+01:00

Public rally, Wednesday 29 April, 7pm, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL

Speakers include: Christine Blower (NUT), Jerry Bartlett (NASUWT), Glyn Ford MEP, Dr Abdul Bari (MCB), Steve Hart (Unite), Martin Smith (LMHR), Weyman Bennett (UAF). Rally called by Unite Against Fascism, sponsored by the National Union of Teachers

The BNP is trying to get its first MEPs elected on Thursday 4 June. And London is one of its targets.

There is a real danger that the BNP could grab enough votes to grab a London MEP at the European elections on Thursday 4 June. They could get in with as little as 8 percent of the vote. London is a multiracial city and the vast majority of Londoners are opposed to the fascist politics of the BNP. We can come together to stop the prospect of a BNP MEP in London. But we need to act now.

Remembering Blair Peach

Blair Peach was a teacher, an NUT member and a committed anti-fascist who campaigned against the National Front in the 1970s. He was on a demonstration in Southall against the NF on 23 April 1979 when he was killed by a blow to the head from a police officer. Thirty years on we still remember him – but we also have to continue his fight by campaigning against the BNP, today’s equivalent of the Nazi NF.

www.uaf.org.uk

Raising Awareness in Enfield

2009-04-18T18:34:00.000+01:00

Today we held a stall in Enfield, to raise awareness of the threat the BNP pose in the forthcoming European elections and to promote our Love music Hate Racism open mic night in Palmers Green on May 15th.

The overwhelming response was good, but we must continue to fight against the fascist BNP. We must continue to raise awareness and get people out to vote. As the European election operate under a proportional representation system, the BNP could be elected with only 8% of the vote. We not want fascists representing us in Europe or recieving our money under the expenses system, which would undoubtedly fund the spread racial hatred and division.

If you would like to get invovled in our campaign contact us at uafnorthlondon@gmail.com or call 07794 690091