Communist party members in Plymouth have issued the following statement regarding the planned EDL demonstration on Saturday July 9.
The South Devon branch of the Communist Party of Britain calls for the maximum possible turnout to stand against the planned demonstration by the so called ‘English Defence League’.
Party members in Plymouth will be supporting the Unite Against Fascism and Love Music – Hate Racism events taking place on Saturday, July 9.
The EDL play upon the fears of ordinary people and exploit the divisions which are all to often exaggerated by sections of the media. They use an irrational characterisation of Islam to blame the Muslim community for world events. This same characterisation leads to the victimisation of immigrant, minority ethnic and vulnerable sections of our society.
While many members of the EDL are undoubtedly vulnerable young men and women themselves, the EDL leadership and their overarching agenda is that of a racist and violent street gang organisation.
It is disappointing that this sort of ideology is still present in Britain, especially as 2011 marks the 75th anniversary of both the Battle of Cable Street and the beginning of the Spanish Civil War against Fascism.
The Communist Party of Britain urges calm from both groups on Saturday, July 9 and condemns any threat of violence on the streets of Plymouth. Party members are also concerned by the ‘mobilisation’ of EDL members from other areas of the country. The EDL in Plymouth are a tiny organisation and any intervention from other members will only exaggerate the importance of this unrepresentative group.
• The Plymouth UAF rally will assemble in the Jigsaw Gardens (the grassed area between the University and Drake Circus) from 11.30am. The assembly will be addressed by local speakers from noon, followed by a march around the city. Evening music events are being held in the Voodoo Lounge.
