Unfortunately, far right groups (EDL) are planning to assemble and protest in Worcester on Saturday 1^st September.

Unite the Union is organising a counter-protest along with others on the day to promote peace, inclusion and justice. So far, these include Worcester Labour Party and the Fire Brigades Union.

FBU has said: “The trade union movement has a strong history of countering and challenging all forms of racism. The only way we have achieved that is by coming together in unity and then using that strength to push the tide of hate back again and again. The current tide we face is alarmingly strong and appears to be getting stronger. However, with every ounce of strength they gain, we have full confidence that trade unionists will do what we do best and form a movement of resistance that is stronger than anything they could ever muster. That is why FBU members will be honoured to join you on the 1st of September as we counter the EDL with a unified message of peace, inclusion and justice.”

Wyre Forest Labour feel it is important to put forward our own message of solidarity with our fellow Labour groups and Trade Unions across Worcestershire, and this is another reason we are putting this bulletin out.

Wyre Forest Labour’s Secretary Ben Davies says: “Over the past few years, we have seen an alarming rise of far right activity, culminating in violence, attacks on public businesses, and hate directed toward minority ethnic groups in person and online. This has been further fuelled by inexcusable language promoted by the likes of Boris Johnson, Steve Bannon and Nigel Farage which, when not called out and acted upon, lays the foundations for scape-goating, intolerance and racism. Indeed, we have seen a senior Worcestershire County Council Tory Cabinet Member (Ken Pollock) repeat racist and islamaphobic messages on social media. This normalises this kind of language and is not acceptable on any level. We must stand up for our values of peace, tolerance and love, so we would urge anyone who is available on 1^st September to go to Worcester to attend the counter demonstration and stand shoulder to shoulder with our sister parties in Worcestershire, and the trade unions, in a display of solidarity.”

More information is available from: press@wyreforestlabour.co.uk

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