Unite activists in Ipswich, Suffolk will be joining a march for multiculturalism on Sunday (7 July) – a week after members of the far right English Defence League (EDL) tried to force their way into Unite’s offices in the town.
Unite, the country’s largest union, condemned last weekend’s attempt by EDL members to get into the union’s Grimwade Street’s offices and the racist chanting at Unite members attending a meeting in the building.
Unite regional officer Miles Hubbard said: “The actions of EDL members in trying to get into the Unite offices gives the lie to any notion that the EDL is a mainstream political organisation. In attempting to break up a peaceful meeting through intimidation and racist chanting they have demonstrated all the characteristics of the fascist ideology.
“The EDL is opposed to integration and multiculturalism, and is trying to stir up division. By marching on Sunday we are showing that there is no place for the politics of hatred in Ipswich and throughout Suffolk.”
A broad coalition including members of all major trade unions, the Labour party and many other community groups will be marching in support of the town’s tradition of multiculturalism. The march, organised by Ipswich Unite Against Fascism (UAF), will gather at Giles Circus, Queen Street, Ipswich at 11.00 on Sunday (7 July).
Labour leader of Ipswich borough council Cllr David Ellesmere said: “Ipswich has a long and proud history of being a diverse town where people of all communities get on. Extremists, who seek to create divisions amongst Ipswich people, do not speak for us. They are not Ipswich and we will not let them divide us.”