Gareth Shanks
Ukip’s bandwagon is coming to town. This rotting carcass of bigotry and filth no longer presents itself as the friendly racist at the country pub. They are now trying to infect post-industrial towns with their one solution to all problems – blame the immigrants.
This poison sadly has fertile ground to taint. After decades of decline in many traditional industries in places like Doncaster, where Ukip’s conference will be held, there is fear and distrust surrounding issues like wages and housing.
It becomes all too easy to kick the guy next to you, rather than the man at the top of the ladder. Racist groups such as the EDL and Britain First use anti-immigrant propaganda for their own ends. Publicity around Ukip’s conference is only going to further damage local harmony.
Blaming immigrants for all your woes is an easy tactic to use – in my dim and distant political past I was a Ukip member. I allowed my personal lack of prospects to manifest into a simple excuse for blaming immigrants.
I now understand that Ukip is a racist, homophobic, sexist, anti-working class, elitist party. It has taken me three years to see the importance of patiently approaching people based on their class and that right wing ideas can be challenged and beaten on an individual level.
It is vital that we combat Ukip’s threat. I am helping Stand Up To Ukip to organise the counter-protest, on the basis of fighting for jobs, homes and services, when they come to my home town of Doncaster.
- The counter protest will assemble at Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Doncaster at 12pm on 27 September. Rally speakers include Natalie Bennett and Dave Nellist
