Yorkshire & Humber TUC back Peace Vigil

posted by: Nick Lowles | on: Thursday, 26 August 2010, 07:20

Our Peace Vigil is receiving overwhelming support from the trade union movement, including the Yorkshire & Humber TUC. In a letter to regional secretaries TUC Regional Secretary Bill Adams gave his full backing and urged individual unions to help build it. He explained the approach taken by the TUC and said that subsequent events had vindicated this position.

"The TUC anti fascist committee decided to persuade the authorities to have the march banned and to advise our members to avoid the area on the grounds of public safety," he wrote.

"This decision was not taken lightly, it was taken, taking into account many factors including the history of the City including previous riots sparked off by a fascist presence in the city.

"The main reason however, was that local activists, trade unionists, and the people of Bradford were against any confrontations."

Accepting that there was some criticism of the TUC and HOPE not hate approach from some individuals he nevertheless believed that the campaign for a ban was something the Trade Union movement could be proud of.

"Although there has been serious differences of opinions from a number of individuals in how to oppose the EDL marching in our region, the TUC did think Bradford was a special case, and given the approach of most organisations and the people of Bradford, we feel our stance has been vindicated," he added. "We have shown the mindless few from the right wing organisations that the people of Bradford stand together and will not be intimidated or provoked by their messages of division and hate.

"I would like to thank all trade unions, hope not hate, local organisations and the thousands of individuals who have worked tirelessly and stood up in solidarity against the extremists, in making Bradford a city we can all be proud of."

You can join Bill Adams at the Peace Vigil at 5.30pm Jacob's Well car park tomorrow.