Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/682/12562
From The Socialist newspaper, 17 August 2011
Stop the far-right EDL thugs
Supporters of the racist and hooligan English Defence League (EDL) fought running battles with police in Eltham, south east London, shortly after after the recent riots in the city.
These self-styled 'vigilantes' were caught on camera chasing black people and hurling racist abuse as they stomped through the area, supposedly protecting it from looters. In the High Street, shopkeepers and pub landlords closed their premises fearing trouble. Local residents were extremely angry that a group of these thugs were roaming the area.
Eventually, after coming under a hail of missiles from EDL supporters, the police repeatedly charged to disperse them.
On 3 September these dangerous EDL thugs are planning to march through Tower Hamlets in London's east end, home to several ethnic and religious minorities, in what is widely seen as a racist provocation. The EDL attempted a similar anti-Muslim march last year before abandoning it in the face of widespread local community and trade union opposition.
The Socialist Party, alongside the local community, trade unionists and other community and left organisations, once again, will be mobilising to prevent the EDL from spreading its racist bile in the area.
Symbolically, Tower Hamlets is the London borough where Cable Street is located. It was in and around Cable Street in October 1936 that socialists and communists, labour activists and the Jewish community, prevented Oswald Mosley's fascist blackshirts marching to attack and intimidate the local Jewish population.
Keep the EDL out of Tower Hamlets
- No to racist division
- Unite to defend jobs and services
Support the United East End demo
3 September, assemble 11am, Weavers Fields, London E2 6HW.
Nearest tube: Bethnal Green.
Join Youth Against Racism in Europe and Youth Fight for Jobs on the demo
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In The Socialist 17 August 2011:
The street eruptions and aftermath
Con-Dems to blame for anger of youth - mass, trade union-led workers' response needed
After the riots... A mass workers’ movement is needed
Tell the TUC - call a 24-hour public sector general strike!
Birmingham peace rally shows need for jobs and services, not cuts
North London Unity demo - 'Workers and youth, unite and fight'
Defend council tenants from eviction!
Build strike action to defeat Con-Dems
Vital services "dying" because of cuts
Extracts from a statement from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU):
Youth workers' warnings ignored across the country
Trade union branch model resolution
Socialist Party news and analysis
World economy: Capitalists unable to stop the turmoil
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
EDL try to act as vigilantes in Leicester
Winston Silcott - framed by the police and justice system
Socialist Party youth and students
Doors continuously shutting on young people's futures
Youth march in Wales to demand jobs
Socialist history
Socialist Party workplace news
Massive vote to continue action against Southampton cuts
Angry construction workers meet to plan strike action
Reinstate Paddy Brennan at Honda
Comments and reviews
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