As Tory scandals go, it’s a bit of a corker. Forget Grant Shapps and his name-changing hijinks, the furore that has erupted over Afzal Amin’s attempted dealings with the EDL is the real deal.If you don’t know what I’m talking aboutand asking “Afzal who?”, then where have you been? Here is an incriminating extract from one recording made between Amin, the Tory PPC for Dudley North (where they’re trailing Labour and UKIP in the polls), and representatives of the EDL: Continue reading
Tagged with EDL
Uniting against Islamophobia, antisemitism and fascism in Europe
An ugly situation in Europe is turning nastier. In recent years we’ve seen a growth of racist and populist right wing parties across the continent. Many mainstream politicians have pandered to this development, choosing to blame migrants and the Muslim community for the economic and social problems that austerity has created.
On top of this, Western foreign policy in the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere has created wars, refugees, and failed states. This is a situation which combines waging war against Muslim countries abroad, whilst scapegoating Muslims at home. Continue reading
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Mixed reaction to the “defection” of EDL leaders
The announcement by the Qulliam foundation of the departure from the English Defence League (EDL) by its leaders ‘Tommy Robinson’ (Stephen Lennon) and his cousin Kevin Carroll is clearly a significant development. The Quilliam statement explained that “having set up the EDL, infamous for its street protests, in 2009, they wish to exit this group, because they feel they can no longer keep extremist elements at bay.”
Tommy Robinson’s interview with Channel 4 news last night clearly demonstrated some movement on his part, stating that he renounced “the racists and violence” and withdrawing his support for the planned EDL action this Saturday 12 March, but neverthessless insisting that the EDL “had to happen“. Unsurprisingly reactions have varied and will no doubt evolve over time. Continue reading
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EDL not welcome in London’s east end – be there this Saturday
The fascist English Defence League (EDL) has announced plans to demonstrate in East London on Saturday 7 September. They have attempted to march in Tower Hamlets three times before. On each occasion trade unions, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, other faith, LGBT communities, local elected politicians and many more stood together and prevented them from entering the borough.
Now more than ever it is crucial we stand together again. The EDL is trying to stir up racial hatred following the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in May, we must not let them. Continue reading
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A challenge for the trades union movement
Nazi saluting tanked up extremists who have sworn to rid the country of a religious minority in Britain, run amok through the heart of the capital passing within 200 metres of the House of Commons with a grand total of two police officers in pursuit.
Going through all the possible opening paragraphs for a classic news piece, I couldn’t come up with a more accurate opening salvo.
Pursuing the EDL is a precarious occupation at the best of times but is a truly chilling prospect when for at least 20 minutes there are seemingly just two officers for company. Continue reading