Stand up to racism and fascism Wales demo

Neath MP Peter Hain has called for people to stand up against racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and the scapegoating of minorities by joining the Unite Against Fascism Demo in Cardiff on UN Anti-Racism Day, 22 March 2014.

A day of action against racism has been called across Europe to coincide with the marking of UN Day Against Racial Discrimination in 2014, with eyes on the European elections in May.

Already in most European countries parties of the right, centre and even the traditional left are allowing the terrain of these elections to be dominated by racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and the scapegoating of minorities—Muslims, immigrants, Roma, Black and Asian communities.

Calling for people to join the demo Mr Hain said, ‘Across Europe the fascist and populist racist right are on the rise. From the violent Golden Dawn in Greece, the anti-Roma Jobbik in Hungary, the Islamophobic Freedom Party of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands to the Front National in France, these forces are encouraging hatred, fear and prejudice in a frightening wave across the continent.

‘In Britain the far right is hoping for gains in the Euro elections. The British National Party (BNP) is seeking the re-election of Nick Griffin in the North West and Andrew Brons is seeking re-election in Yorkshire and the Humber. The Tories and UKIP look set to try to play on the fears peddled by the far right to promote an anti-foreign, anti-Europe mentality.

‘Just like anti-fascist stood up to Mosley and his blackshirts at Cable Street in 1936 we need to stand up against this extremism now and not let the hatred rise in our communities.’