The EDL (English Defence League) came and they left our City, admittedly this time with smaller and much organised self policed protest than in previous years.
An estimated 400 demonstrators gathered at Bar Risa prior to moving down to Centenary Square, this time not breaking away, held their protest and got on their coaches and off they went.
On the other side of Paradise Forum in Chamberlain Square some at times 300 people gathered for the UAF (United Against Facism) counter demonstration. Following a an initial issue concerning Police barriers the spirit of cooperation for the rest of the day was set with the Police with the public being placed with less inconvenience with not only the Library of Birmingham Being open on one side, but, the. Museum and Art Gallery, being fully operational on the other.
Clearly, the fact that there was full dialogue with the Police all Organisors and community Observers, it showed that we in Birmingham can all work together and not allow this type of protest to bring a great City to a stand still.
Therefore, this is a clear victory for common sense and the people and authorities of Birmingham, by not allowing the EDL to have any major effect on our Saturday in Birmingham, which was able to continue life in Centenary Square with the Cancer research event.
However, as a City we must lobby our Members of Parliament in order that they ensure legislation is put in place giving our local Council the authority be ban demonstrations that promote any type of hate issue. We must unite and stand up for the great diversity of Birmingham as we and all of our parents have contributed to this City.
Unfortunately, yet again this has led to pressure on local funds and resources at these times of cuts and austerity, which is totally unsatisfactory as it has an impact on the less fortunate.
Furthermore, the people of Ladywood Ward yet again having to put up with this type of demonstration in the back yard, is totally unacceptable.
Start writing to your MP’s demanding that they act, after all, there is a General Election in May of next year, hence, time for action.
Reports from West Midlands Police have indicated a total of 10 arrests, with 9 being from EDL attendees.
Despite the obvious tension raised by this, in the end we showed our resilience and Unity in dealing with this unwanted visit...
Desmond Jaddoo
An estimated 400 demonstrators gathered at Bar Risa prior to moving down to Centenary Square, this time not breaking away, held their protest and got on their coaches and off they went.
On the other side of Paradise Forum in Chamberlain Square some at times 300 people gathered for the UAF (United Against Facism) counter demonstration. Following a an initial issue concerning Police barriers the spirit of cooperation for the rest of the day was set with the Police with the public being placed with less inconvenience with not only the Library of Birmingham Being open on one side, but, the. Museum and Art Gallery, being fully operational on the other.
Clearly, the fact that there was full dialogue with the Police all Organisors and community Observers, it showed that we in Birmingham can all work together and not allow this type of protest to bring a great City to a stand still.
Therefore, this is a clear victory for common sense and the people and authorities of Birmingham, by not allowing the EDL to have any major effect on our Saturday in Birmingham, which was able to continue life in Centenary Square with the Cancer research event.
However, as a City we must lobby our Members of Parliament in order that they ensure legislation is put in place giving our local Council the authority be ban demonstrations that promote any type of hate issue. We must unite and stand up for the great diversity of Birmingham as we and all of our parents have contributed to this City.
Unfortunately, yet again this has led to pressure on local funds and resources at these times of cuts and austerity, which is totally unsatisfactory as it has an impact on the less fortunate.
Furthermore, the people of Ladywood Ward yet again having to put up with this type of demonstration in the back yard, is totally unacceptable.
Start writing to your MP’s demanding that they act, after all, there is a General Election in May of next year, hence, time for action.
Reports from West Midlands Police have indicated a total of 10 arrests, with 9 being from EDL attendees.
Despite the obvious tension raised by this, in the end we showed our resilience and Unity in dealing with this unwanted visit...
Desmond Jaddoo