Many of you will have seen that Britain First are planning a
demonstration in Dewsbury on Saturday January 30th.
The council is working with West Yorkshire Police to balance the rights of everyone, including the community, the protestors and local businesses. We are keen to minimise the impact on trade as much as possible, as well as the impact on local people.
It’s important that our collective response on January 30th is once again strong, sensible and measured.
Britain First are entitled to take this action, but there’s
no escaping the fact they are a far right organisation promoting unacceptable
messages which incite hatred.
Members of the group have already visited our area and tried
to provoke a reaction from the local community, but they were not successful.
Other extremist groups have tried and failed in the past.
Labour councillors have already spoken about this planned
demonstration, including councillors Masood Ahmed, Mumtaz Hussain and Nosheen
Dad.
Cllr Masood Ahmed: “They have every right to hold a march. What I’m
concerned about is the impact on traders in the town centre and the cost of
policing.”
Cllr Mumtaz Hussain: “If Britain First cared about our
community and the town centre they wouldn’t be doing this. On the day, all
Dewsbury councillors will be there on the ground to support traders in any way
we can. I’m not happy about the demo – and it doesn’t matter what group or
community wants to hold a protest. If they’re coming to incite hatred against
another community, then I think that’s wrong. Certainly in my ward there’s a
feeling that these people don’t care about Dewsbury and that they should be
ignored.”
Cllr Nosheen Dad: “They tried
to provoke (on their recent visit) but got nothing out of it. They tried to spread
their message of hate but I was very proud of the community’s reaction. It will
be the same when they come to Dewsbury for the march. No one will bat an eyelid
because we are a tolerant and strong community.”
The council is working with West Yorkshire Police to balance the rights of everyone, including the community, the protestors and local businesses. We are keen to minimise the impact on trade as much as possible, as well as the impact on local people.
Let’s remember, our district has a rich and diverse blend of
communities who take pride in supporting each other. That’s exactly what we saw
during the recent floods when so many people joined together as one to help
those in crisis - regardless of their faith and culture.
It’s important that our collective response on January 30th is once again strong, sensible and measured.
