Trade unionists, community groups and local MP Kelvin Hopkins are backing a ‘We are Luton’ march to oppose the racists and fascists of the English Defence League on Saturday 5 May.

UAF is mobilising nationally for this demo.

>> Why you should be in Luton on 5 May
>> Download demo leaflet here

Statement

‘We are Luton’ has produced a statement against the EDL, urging support for the march.

The English Defence League (EDL) has announced its intention to come to Luton on May 5th. When the EDL came here last year the lives of ordinary citizens were severely disrupted. We do not want this to happen again.

The EDL is a racist group dedicated to promoting hatred and intolerance in society. Islamophobia – bigotry against Muslims – is as unacceptable as any other form of racism. The EDL aims to create divisions in society by using diversity as a cause for hatred rather than celebration. There is no place for the EDL in Luton’s multiracial, multicultural and multi-faith community.

We urge all decent people in Luton, irrespective of colour, faith or beliefs, to join the peaceful ‘We are Luton’ multicultural celebration, marching from Wardown Park to St George’s Square on May 5th.

Signatories

Bury Park Youth Organisation, Mitalee Youth Association, Luton Council of Mosques, Inspire FM, Bangladeshi Youth League, Bengali Women’s Project, Luton Somali Forum, Ethnic Minority Project, Community Magazine, ASR Youth Project, Luton Bury Park Business Community, Pakistan Kashmir Youth Forum, Kelvin Hopkins MP, Luton NUT, Eastern Region Unite, Eastern Region PCS, Eastern Region CWU, Luton TUC, Beds TUC, Luton and Beds Green Party, University of Bedfordshire Unison