And so the violence begins

posted by: Nick Lowles | on: Saturday, 3 October 2009, 06:19

Over 20 Muslim graves have been attacked and vandalised in a cemetery in south Manchester on Thursday night. Coming just a week before the planned EDL protest in the city, this horrendous act either was carried out to whip up tensions or is the consequence of the current wave of Islamophobia.

It will only increase concern, fear and anger over the EDL protest.

Yesterday I had a meeting with some unions and the North West TUC to discuss how we respond. Unfortnuately, attempts to establish one broad-based counter-protest – under the banner of the TUC – did not materialise but everyone agreed that the EDL protest was clear incitement and carried very real dangers for the communities of Manchester. While there were differences of opinion, strategy and tactics there was general agreement that we had to take on the EDL and its message of hate. The HOPE not hate campaign and several of the unions present will be embarking on a series of actions in Manchester over the next week to win the hearts and minds of local people.

Adding to the mix in Manchester next Saturday will be 30,000 Leeds Rhinos fans. Their team beat the Catalan Dragons last night to set up a final with either Wigan or St Helens. This makes the decision of Greater Manchester Police to allow the EDL to protest in the city centre even more daft.