Join NorSCARF and UAF for a day of action in Stoke-on-Trent

(Taken from Unite Against Fascism website)

North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (NorSCARF) and UAF have organised a series of joint days of action to campaign against the fascist British National Party in the run-up to this year’s all-out council elections in Stoke-on-Trent in May.

Drive back

Two years ago, the BNP were claiming Stoke as their “jewel in the crown”, with the party holding nine council seats and poised to take control of the council. Stoke was also where the racist English Defence League went on the rampage one year ago, with Stoke BNP councillors present at the heart of the EDL’s racist “protest” – and a recent attack on a mosque in the area shows the need to drive the racists and fascists back.

But in the 2010 elections, the NorSCARF/UAF campaign – supported by trades unionists and others – stopped BNP deputy leader Simon Darby from winning the Stoke Central parliamentary seat and knocked the number of BNP councillors in Stoke down to five.

Critical factor

Local campaigners (pictured above) labelled the BNP as the Nazis they are, mobilised the antiracist vote, and were the critical factor in stopping the BNP in what was their second main target seat – after Barking in east London.

But there is no room for complacency – this year, if the BNP win or keep any council seats, they will be there until 2015.

Paul Jenkins of UAF said:

This year’s Stoke council elections will be key to the future of the Fascist BNP. We must make sure that 2011 is the year we stop the Nazis in Stoke. We urge everyone who can to play their part, by joining the NorSCARF/UAF days of action.

A Norscarf activist added:

Last year, we kept the BNP out of Stoke-on-Trent. This year, we intend to wipe them out! Activists, we need you – come and help rid the city of the BNP!