Greens join Stand Up to Racism Demonstration: Austerity Project to Blame for Rise in Social Friction

Marking UN Anti- Racism Day on Saturday 21st March, members of Waltham Forest and Redbridge Green Party joined the demonstration Stand Up to Racism (1) in Central London. The demonstration ended with a rally in Trafalgar Square where Green Party leader Natalie Bennett was among the speakers.

Ms Bennett said: “At a time when racist, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic attacks are on the increase in the UK, it is heartening that people are prepared to stand up and be counted in the fight against racism. Events like this should make us proud of who we are and what we stand for. We must, and shall, be vigilant against racism. Protecting people’s rights should be at the centre of our national identity.”

Sadly, there has been a rise in racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism across Europe as immigrants are often scapegoated in times of economic hardship. In this country we have seen the rise of hard right parties like UKIP who seek to blame immigrants for problems they did not cause.

By scapegoating the poorest people in society for the problems created by the richest, the government has been able to impose austerity, and immigrants have been the principal target.. The Green Party is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and opposes hate-based behaviour, whether directed at people because of their faith, nationality, race, sexual orientation - or just hatred of 'the other' (2).

“We need to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate racism and the hard right by voting for progressive parties like the Green Party in the forthcoming general election,” said Leyton & Wanstead Green parliamentary candidate Ashley Gunstock. “Too often immigrants and the most vulnerable are being made to suffer for the failure of an unjust economic system,” he added.

ENDS

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Editors’ Notes

1) http://www.standuptoracism.org.uk/2015/03/high-profile-figures-show-support-for-un-anti-racism-day-demonstration-against-racism-islamophobia-anti-semitism-and-fascism/ 2) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/nigel-farage-brands-lgbt-activists-scum-after-they-invade-his-local-pub-and-scare-away-his-children-10126032.html

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For further information contact:

Diana Korchien Press Officer Waltham Forest & Redbridge Green Party

M: 07747 014 235 T: (0)20 8539 8547

53 Scarborough Road London E11 4AL http://www.wfrgreenparty.org.uk

Diana Korchien Press Officer, Waltham Forest & Redbridge Green Party

Tel: 020 8539 8547 Mob: 07747 014 235