Double trouble in Cambridge

From Cambridge News by Jennie Baker:

Far Right now faces two demos

Protesters opposed to a far-right politician’s appearance at the Cambridge Union will demonstrate outside the building on Tuesday (19th February).

Marine Le Pen, leader of the French National Front, is set to speak at the debating society at 4pm, with demonstrators arriving in Bridge Street at 2.30pm.

Her appearance is scheduled four days ahead of a demonstration by the English Defence League (EDL) in the city which will be opposed under the Cambridge Unite Against Fascism (CUAF) banner.

Opponents to Marine Le Pen’s visit will hold a protest next Tuesday

Richard Rose, co-ordinator of CUAF, said if Mme Le Pen’s visit went unchallenged it could give the EDL “the boost they need”.  He said:

I think the only thing that’s going to make the EDL demo a success is if they see their views being espoused at a respected university like Cambridge by somebody who is successful in their own country at promoting their policy.

Hundreds of people have pledged on Facebook to turn out for the demonstration against the EDL on Saturday, February 23.

Sikhs Against the EDL is the latest group to have committed to join the counter-protest.  Spokesman Balwinder Singh Rana said:

We must keep up the pressure and keep showing solidarity with anti-racists and Muslim brothers and sisters.

In the current economic climate . . . some will always try to blame minorities for all the problems.

They would also try to divide our communities to turn us against each other. But now is the time for all minorities and white anti-racists to unite together and show them they would not win.

Kevin Carroll, co-founder and joint leader of the EDL, said the organisation’s initials also stood for equality, democracy and liberty and he questioned what was fascist about defending democracy, freedom of speech and rights for women and homosexuals.

The ‘no platform for Marie Le Pen’ event has been called by Unite Against Fascism and is supported by CUAF, Cambridge University Student UAF and the National Union of Students’ Black Students’ Campaign.

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Whilst many are wondering who in Cambridge thought it such a good idea to invite the nasty racist Marine Le Pen to speak, We Are Norwich (WAN) is already gathering a group together to protest at such a naive publicity stunt.

 

Representatives from WAN will be protesting on Tuesday 19th despite the short notice.   

 

The peaceful counter demonstration against the EDL march on Saturday 23rd has been arranged for some time and promises to be well attended, but more support is always welcome. 

 

If you would like to ask about joining either or both protests, email norwichuaf@gmail.com who will have advice on issues such as transportation and rallying points.

Click here for the Facebook link.  More information on the planned counter demonstration is here.