Medway United press release

| Friday, 26 August 2005 Source: Medway United

MEDWAY UNITED

Promoting the Cultural Diversity of Medway

Press Release

In agreement with the leading community organisations such as Medway Racial Equality Council (MREC), Ethnic Minority Forum (EMF), Medway Against Racial Attacks (MARA) and The Interfaith.

Medway United welcomes the decision of the Home Office to ban the march of the small number of National Front members who wished to bring division to our community. It endorses the Press Release issued by the Medway Council and the Kent Police which shared our view that at the 'time of heightened tensions following the London incidents in July' banning the march 'is the appropriate action to take'.

Medway United brings together all sections of Medway society including the various faith groups and political parties and all those who wish to support the cultural diversity that is to be found in Medway.

At a meeting with Medway Police and Medway Local Authority, Medway United along with other groups representing the Ethnic Minorities, made clear our total opposition to any march organised by the national front or British National Party.

In the above meeting all community organisation representatives reminded the Authorities that for over three decades there has been a close understanding between the many sections of the Medway population. People have lived in harmony within a diverse multicultural society. The consensus over this understanding between the statutory bodies and the community organisations is far too deep rooted to be fractured by a fascist agenda.

The argument was strongly made that the proposed march by the National Front should be banned. There was a clear consensus of opposition and a knowledge that the community as a whole would act to prevent such a march taking place.

We can all rejoice that on this occasion the united voice of reason has been listened to and our advice taken.

The Home Office accepted the arguments put forward that the unity and cohesion of a whole community was of the greatest importance.

The strength in diversity that we all represent is something that we must defend at all times.

We need to be vigilant and supportive of any section of our community that is in any way threatened. This is particularly important at a time when one section of our community is at the centre of so much attention.

Ikram Ali; Chair

Ralph A. Tebbutt; Secretary