A shortened version of the "thank you"
from Edinburgh UAF:
Hello friends
Well done lovely
people of Edinburgh and beyond, you did an amazing job! Over 800
anti-fascists from across Scotland joined a UAF march to oppose 80
members of the racist Scottish Defence League in Edinburgh on
Saturday 17th August. The racist SDL march was supposed to be their
big event in Scotland, a two finger insult to the largest and most
diverse multi-cultural festival in Scotland. However, on the day the
racist SDL had to bus in their pals from the Sunderland Div of the
EDL and the North West Infidels to make up the numbers. As the racist
SDL trailed past City of Edinburgh Council offices, supporters openly
gave Nazi salutes-please see photos on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghUAF/photos_stream
Green Councillor Maggie Chapman commented ‘Edinburgh is a
wonderful, welcoming and diverse city. I’m glad we were there to
stand up against the hatred and bigotry of those claiming to speak
for Scotland. I think it speaks clearly that their demo was fronted
by the EDL Sunderland Division. Clearly the SDL does not have the
support in Scotland that it would believe it has.’
Thanks to
all who came and helped build the demo on the day, thanks to the
Festival visitors and performers who joined us on the march. A truly
international crowd joined our march as it passed down to the
Scottish Parliament to stand united against the racist SDL and
EDL.
Trade unions including EIS, UCU, PCS, UNISON, RMT and Unite
the Union encouraged union reps and members to mobilise their union
branches, their workmates and community campaigns to attend the
march.
Larry Flanagan, Gen Sec of Scotland’s largest teaching
union, EIS had encouraged union members to attend the march, ‘EIS
resolutely opposes racism in all its forms. As a profession, teachers
engage with young minds to develop a shared commitment to values such
as fairness and equality, self-respect and respect for others. Racist
ideologies such as those pedalled by the SDL and EDL are an assault
on those values and need to be challenged through events such as the
counter demonstration planned for this Saturday.’
Edinburgh
College Students Association and other Student Associations supported
the march too. UAF speakers emphasised the need to mobilize large
numbers of people from our trade unions, community and faith
organisations to oppose racist and fascist groups whenever they try
to take to the streets. We showed the racist SDL that we are the many
and they the few. We showed that they are not welcome on our
streets, our city or our Festival!
You Tube video of the UAF
march can be viewed on the following
link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GyzaNRWwQtE
Detailed coverage of the UAF Edinburgh march can be found on
Facebook:
Edinburgh Against The Racist SDL. SDL intend to
demonstrate in Dundee The racist SDL have said their next
demonstration will be in Dundee in late September, early October.
When we get further information we will let you know. Let’s make
sure we give them the same unwelcoming reception when they
come to
Dundee.
Thanks
UAF Edinburgh
Facebook:
EdinburghUAFEmail:
uafedinburgh@riseup.netTwitter:
@UAFScot
Visit ann arky's home at
www.radicalglasgow.me.uk
