Anti-racism demo 18.3.17, photo Mary Finch

Anti-racism demo 18.3.17, photo Mary Finch   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Huddersfield Socialist Party

As the capitalist media focuses on the release of far-right leader Tommy Robinson, who is awaiting a retrial, we have seen an increase in action taken by far-right groups. Clearly, the media portrayal of Tommy Robinson as a ‘man of the people’ has emboldened the far right. Next on their radar is Huddersfield, with protests planned on the 5-6 September.

In response to a trial of 31 men and women, all accused of sex crimes against young women and girls, the English Defence League (EDL) has focused on the fact that the accused are Muslim.

The Socialist Party utterly condemns such heinous crimes. But we recognise that the perpetrators can come from all walks of life, from many religions and none, and from all races. The EDL is cynically attempting to play on the rightful disgust of working class people at this awful alleged abuse with the aim of pushing their racist bigotry and stirring up hatred against all Muslims.

The Socialist party is calling on the residents of Huddersfield and nearby towns to say no to the EDL and its racist views. We call for counter protests, and have welcomed the support of the local trade union council and other groups. It is essential that the trade union movement takes a lead in the fight against the far right.

We will fight to stop racist views being spread in our town!