Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh sends message of support to UN Anti-Racism Day event in London.
Julie Hesmondhalgh, who starred as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, said:“I’m there in spirit in this celebration of multiculturalism and diversity and our condemnation of racism and racist violence all over the world. It seems to me governments are getting very very canny at making people at the bottom of the pile turn against each other instead of having our anger diverted to the top of the pile where it should be. So let’s all stand together today shoulder to shoulder and stand up to racism.”
To view Julie’s message, CLICK HERE:
The event is part of an international day of action. Demonstrations will be taking place across the globe in: Athens, Barcelona, Cardiff, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Madrid, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Warsaw and Sao Paulo.
A diverse range of communities, including Roma, Romanian and Bulgarian representatives, trade unions and politicians, will gather together for todays Stand up to Racism and Fascism demonstration.
The event will begin with short speeches opposite Parliament, followed by a lively and diverse procession including Congolese drummers, Olympic Opening Ceremony Pandemonium drummers, and Samba bands. Diane Abbott MP and others with be delivering letters to Downing Street during the procession and the event will end with speakers and poetry in Trafalgar Square.
Diane Abbott MP, said: “The politics of immigration in Britain has become increasingly ugly as parties like UKIP and the BNP attempt to stoke up fear and hatred. Far from falling into the political trap of pitting community against community it is time that the voices of the majority of people in this country who recognise the huge contribution migrants have made throughout history are heard. That’s why this year’s UN International Anti-Racism day takes on increasing importance – It will provide the opportunity for all those who oppose the politics of hate and division to stand up against the ‘Farageation’ of our country.”
11.00 am: Assemble Old Palace Yard, opposite Parliament
11.15 am: Photo and press opportunity
11.30 am – 12.00pm: Short rally at Old Palace Yard
12.00 pm: Procession to Trafalgar Square
12.15pm: Delivery of letters to Downing Street
12.30pm: Continue procession
1.00 – 4.00pm: Rally at Trafalgar Square
Speakers at Trafalgar Square will include:
Diane Abbott MP, Claude Moraes MEP, Jean Lambert MEP, Mohammad Taj TUC President, Christine Blower NUT General Secretary, Gloria Mills UNISON National Secretary Equalities, Zita Holbourne PCS NEC / Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, George the Poet, Ghetts, Jerry Dammers, Ava Vidal Comedian, Weyman Bennett and Sabby Dhalu Joint National Secretaries, Unite Against Fascism, Maz Saleem Daughter of Mohammed Saleem, Natalie Bennett Green Party Leader, Lutfur Rahman Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Grattan Puxon 8th April Movement, Ladislav Balaz Europe Roma, Farooq Murad Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain, Edie Friedman Executive Director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah UK Black Pride, Bruce Kent VP Pax Christi, Gerry Gable Editor Searchlight, Roger Casale New Europeans, Max Levitas Cable Street Veteran, Tommy Tomescu Alliance Against Romanians and Bulgarians Discrimination, Maurice Wren Chief Executive – Refugee Council, Glyn Ford UAF European Officer, Lindsey German Convenor, Stop the War Coalition, Peoples Assembly Against Austerity Representative
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