EDL in Nottingham: Information for Action

The English Defence League (EDL) has prominent members with links to the fascist BNP ( https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/07/433945.html) and white nationalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland ( http://www.antifa.org.uk/nucleus3.32/nucleus332/index.php?itemid=202). Its previous marches have attempted to attack mosques and have featured sieg heiling, chants of “We hate Pakis more than you!” and intimidation. Their aims are to stoke up tensions between communities under the guise of attacking Islamic fundamentalism. They cannot be allowed to take over our city.

The day will be complicated by a number of factors. Firstly, the Second Battalion Mercian regiment of soldiers will be marching in Nottingham, having returned from fighting in Afghanistan ( http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/pressreleases/view_article.asp?ReleaseID=4542). They will be taking a salute in the Market Square at around 11.20am. It is thought that some EDL will turn up to try to hijack this event for their own political agenda.

The Market Square, the traditional city centre of Nottingham, will also be filled by both an ice rink and the German Christmas market - there will be very little space left for any other gatherings.

Also of importance is the fact that Forest are playing at home to Leicester City - an East Midlands derby - and the EDL will likely try to recruit fans coming for the match for their activities. Kick off is at 1pm.

The EDL are staying quiet for the moment on when they intend to gather, but the English Defence Youth site states that it will be from 4pm-6pm ( http://www.englishdefenceyouth.org/Events.php). This will be after the match and after dark.

There will be a number of different mobilisations against the EDL. Notts Stop the BNP, a local coalition of antifascists, will be gathering outside the Royal Centre at 10am. UAF have stated that they will be holding a rally at 10am in the Market Square. It is probable that the police will attempt to surround and contain ('kettle') everyone at both gathering points (based on what has happened at previous EDL demonstrations) and antifascists can act independently of either of these mobilisations.

Autonomous antifascists recommend that people coming think carefully about how and when they come to Nottingham to join us as there certainly will be a large number of police and fascists in the area on the day. Antifascists should stay in groups large enough to ensure their safety. However, the police have been quite successful in neutralising antifascist dissent at previous EDL demonstrations by kettling antifascists. Experience from other EDL demonstrations seems to show that groups can be most effective if they stay mobile and avoid police cordons and lines.

The EDL want to stoke conflict in our city for their fascist political aims. We will be there to ensure they go home disappointed, and do not return to our city again.