BNP anti-immigration protest and counter-demo in Croydon

 

An anti-fascist demonstration. Pic: Koos Couvee

An anti-fascist demonstration. Photo: Koos Couvee

The British National Party (BNP) is planning a demonstration this Saturday October 5 outside the Croydon UKBA Home office, Lunar House at 12 noon. The Croydon Trades Union Council will be holding a counter demonstration.

The BNP demonstration, organized by the Croydon and Sutton branch of the far-right party, centres on the theme of immigration, saying: “enough is enough”. Campaigner John Clarke has said that the group are expecting between 100 and 200 people to attend the demonstration.

Unite Against Fascism (UAF) is calling for people to oppose the far-right party. In a statement on their Facebook page, UAF said: “They [the BNP] are targeting the immigration offices in an attempt to build their profile and gain support in the run up to the 2014 Euro elections.”

South London Anti-Fascists, a local campaigning group commented: “Fascists cannot be given the freedom to pass through our communities unopposed.

“Fascists tend not to like debate and often attack minorities especially when they assemble for marches and rallies.”

Local resident Paula Delaney, who believes that immigration has become a focal point of anger due to the current economic crises, said that groups like the BNP tend to be looking for ‘scapegoats’. She said: “I’m not a fan of the BNP in any shape or form.”

The Metropolitan Police are aware that the demonstrations are taking place. A spokesperson told ELL that “both parties are liaising with police” and that “there will be an appropriate and proportionate policing plan in place.”

Saturday’s rally will mark the second far-right demonstration outside Lunar House this year. The English Volunteer Force held a similar demonstration in July, which was outnumbered by counter-demonstrators.

Anti-fascist demonstrators will be assembling outside Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon at 11am.

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