Happy to add my name to UAF Scotland unity statement on proposed SDL march. Ruth Maguire
Unity Statement
We the undersigned strongly oppose the planned city centre march in Edinburgh on 26 May 2012 by the racist groups of Scottish Defence League (SDL) and the English North West and North East Infidels.
The SDL claim to oppose only “extremist Muslims” but at their recent march in Glasgow (February 2012) the largest banner said “no muslims, no mosques wanted in Britain”, members were also photographed giving Nazi salutes. Previous SDL marches have led to violence on the streets and with the proposed march there is a serious chance of public disorder and a threat to public safety again.
Today the SDL threatens Muslims; tomorrow it could be Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, black people, lesbians & gay men, travellers or Eastern Europeans. At a time of recession, with falling wages and jobs under threat, fascism and racist scapegoating will continue to pose a threat.
The current application to march by the SDL states that they considered their previous “static protest” in the city centre a success, so this time not only should their march be banned but they should not be allowed into the city centre.
On previous protests, the majority of people taking part in SDL protests were not from Edinburgh, or indeed Scotland, but were bussed into the city from elsewhere. It is clear that the SDL does not represent the views held by Edinburgh’s citizens. Edinburgh has a reputation for welcoming people from around the globe from a diversity of backgrounds and there is no place for the racism and bigotry of the SDL in our city.
Initiated by Unite Against Fascism-Scotland. If you would like to add your name to this Unity Statement Email: uafedinburgh@riseup.net
Ruth Maguire MSP 