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2,000 attend Norwich anti EDL march

By News Desk
November 16 2012

 

 

 

Over 2,000 anti-racists came out to tell the English Defence League (EDL) that they are not welcome in Norwich. We are Norwich – a group formed in response to the EDL’s planned visit to the city began with small, has grown steadily into a rainbow coalition of over 25 affiliated groups.

 

The opening rally at Chapelfield Gardens was addressed by a range of speakers. Speakers included Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North, Clive Lewis from Norwich Labour Party, Samir Jeraj from the Green Party, Jack Brinded and Josh Bowker from UEA Union of Students, a large group from the Norwich Progressive Jewish Community and Michelle Savage and Mike Stonard from the Norwich Pride Collective. We were also joined on the day by and a large group from the Norwich Quakers.

This was clearly a very broad coalition opposed to the EDL and their message of hate. As a very large crowd began to gather we were entertained by live music from Jonathan Williams, Acivilian and the Red Flags. The rally was followed by a macrh to City Hall.

Before We are Norwich left City Hall we turned our backs on the the fascists and held a minute’s silence in respect of those that fought in the war fighting fascism. As one person on the demonstration said to me “Today we oppose them, tomorrow we remember why.” It was especially poignant that one poppy seller left his position on the market and joined us on the counter-demonstration. The EDL do not in any way represent those that gave their lives fighting against the evil that they promote.

We are Norwich will stay together for as long as we are needed. The EDL will never be welcome here.

Originally published by UAF

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