The “English Defence League” (EDL) are a group of racist hooligans with a particular hatred of Muslim and Asian people. They have links to the British National Party and are widely considered to be the BNP's street fighting faction.

These fascist thugs are threatening to invade Dudley this Saturday 3rd April. Previous marches by the EDL in Bolton, Stoke, Birmingham, Luton, Manchester, Nottingham & Leeds have seen racist violence on the streets, the defacing of a Mosque and Asian shops being smashed. We cannot stand by and let these racists attack any section of our community.

The march in Bolton on Saturday 20th March was seen as a turning point by many, as protesters saw police using extremely violent and heavy-handed tactics towards anti-fascists, whilst allowing the EDL to run riot. The EDL were hurling missiles such as empty spirit bottles, beer cans and coins at the UAF side, and in particular at a group of Muslims which included small children.

The police unsuccessfully tried to keep a large group of local people, mostly black and Asian youths, from joining the UAF protest, and as soon as they arrived the EDL finally showed their true colours in a way that the even the police could not ignore, and the racists were pushed back out of the square. This was another victory for the anti-fascists against the English Defense League, who were driven back, contained, and therefore prevented from rampaging through the Asian areas of Bolton. However, this was ONLY because a greater number of anti-fascists were there to stop them. We need to make sure that even more people, from all different cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds, come together in Dudley to oppose these fascists.

The focus of the EDL protest in Dudley is the building of a new mosque, which Dudley council unsuccessfully opposed last year-an unbelievably crass act of narrow minded anti-Muslim bigotry which has created ideal conditions for the EDL to whip up anti-Muslim hatred.

UAF supporters are therefore requested to mobilise and assemble at Market Square, Dudley at 11am for a peaceful, orderly counter-protest against the EDL and anti-Muslim hate crimes. This is a national demonstration organised by the UAF.

The anti-fascist counter-protest is going to be a HUGE national mobilisation, with coaches coming from all over the country!

On 3rd April, Dudley WILL remain a fascist free zone! To join the rally from Nottingham, you can join us on the coach organised by Unite Against Fascism and Love Music Hate Racism - it will be setting off at 8 in the morning from outside the Old Sal on Maid Marian Way and will cost £8/£5 concession. To make sure you have a seat you can book by calling Matt on 07849 392 842.

Coach tickets can also be used to gain FREE ENTRY to the next Love Music Hate Racism gig in Nottingham, taking place this Sunday April 4th at the Maze on Mansfield Road!