Statement in response to the planned EDL demonstration in North Shields

Statement from the Northern TUC and the Northern Public Services Alliance in response to planned EDL demonstration in North Shields on Saturday August 1^st

‘The North East has strong communities and we value our multiculturalism. We are clear that the economic and social challenges faced by the region will only be  solved collectively and not by turning one group against another. It is totally wrong that extremist, far-right organisations are attempting to increase hostility and division on Tyneside while spreading myths about muslims, migrant workers, asylum seekers and those of other faiths. The EDL have no place in our region and their politics of hate do not reflect or represent the people of the North East.

Trade unions across the North East and Cumbria stand together with all those targeted by the far right. We know the overwhelming decent majority of people in our region do not want organisations like the EDL on our streets and in our town centres. We will continue to work with communities throughout to tackle myths particularly when communities suffer cuts and hardship as a result of the government’s austerity policies. Instead we will redouble our efforts to promote a message of understanding, solidarity and shared respect.’  

Nicky Ramanandi, Chair of the Northern TUC’s Race Advisory Committee and Clare Williams, Chair of the Northern Public Services Alliance