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Rally Against Hate's counter-demo dwarfs EDL protest in Worcester

FASCISTS from the dwindling English Defence League (EDL) staged a pitiful protest in Worcester yesterday which was dwarfed by a huge counter-demonstration.

 

 

About 70 EDL supporters gathered to protest against the refurbishment of a mosque in the town, but 500 counter-demonstrators attended  the Rally Against Hate organised by Worcester Trades Union Council.

There were speakers from the trades council, Labour Party, the mosque and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), which mobilised dozens of firefighters against the fascists.

Also speaking was a representative of Bookmarks, the left book shop in London that was attacked by fascists last month.

Julie Sherry of Stand Up to Racism, who also spoke at the rally, told the Morning Star: “It was a national event by the EDL so it was pretty pathetic.

“They staged a short march into the town where they had a gazebo, and stood around with their Union Jacks. There were around 500 of us including a delegation from the Fire Brigades Union.

“We had a rally and a march which was buoyant and positive. There was a big turnout from the Muslim community.”

FBU West Midlands regional secretary Andrew Scattergood said: “We stand with all members of our community and we will not only protect them from the dangers of fire but, if needed, from the dangers of the far right.

“The rise in far-right activity is alarming and appears to be getting stronger.”

He said the people of Worcester had responded “with a message of peace, inclusion and justice.”

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