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date: 31 March 2004 embargo: Immediate |
Attention: News, social affairs, race relations desks
Hundreds of anti-fascists rally in Birmingham to plan election strategy to stop the BNP
Hundreds of anti-fascist campaigners will join a national TUC rally at Birmingham’s NEC on Saturday (3 April) to launch a new campaign aimed at defeating the far-right British National Party at the local and European elections this summer. The rally is part of the European-wide trade union campaign: Our Europe, Europe that’s us.
At the rally a new handbook entitled 'Organising against racism and fascism' will be unveiled. The far right has to be defeated through determined grass-roots community activity, says the handbook. The BNP has won a number of council seats through local campaigning and whipping up racist fears around asylum seekers. Anti-fascists have to respond through local activity. Set piece confrontations are less likely to win long-term gains.
Brendan Barber , TUC General Secretary, said: 'Trade unionists, community groups, political parties, and students are being brought together to stop racists and fascists poisoning our political life. We will take part in local campaigns, on local issues, lead by local people as the way to build lasting alternatives to the racists and fascists.'
Those attending the will hear keynote addresses from: Brendan Barber , TUC General Secretary; Trevor Phillips , Commission for Racial Equality Chair; and Maria Helena Andre , Deputy General Secretary of the European Trade union Confederation.
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Media enquiries: Alan Weaver on 0121 236 4454 or 07771 778 694.
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Press release (400 words) issued 31 Mar 2004
