Dover demo in support of asylum seekers 4 March 2023 and KENT ANTI-RACISTS' STATEMENT

 

KENT ANTI-RACISTS' STATEMENT

We stand united in sympathy and solidarity with those who lost their lives on The Herald of Free Enterprise and their families, and we have no wish to intrude on their grief.

However we are faced with a demonstration on 4^th March by Far Right groups. We know what happened recently in Knowsley when a visit  from a Far Right Group led to  an attempted violent attack on a hotel housing refugees.

There is already a great deal of hostility towards refugees. That resulted in a fire bomb attack on the Dover Reception Centre only four months ago. Allowing the Far Right to spread their poison unopposed runs the risk of increasing that hostility, putting those perceived, rightly or wrongly, as being refugees at further risk. It also makes the prospect of further visits by Far Right groups much more likely.

The original decision to hold a rally opposing the Far Right was made collectively by several different anti-racism groups and individuals, not just by those who are party to the Statement released by South East Kent TUC.

We have met again and agreed that the rally should go ahead. We will be meeting at 12 noon on Saturday 4^th March in the Market Square in Dover and urge as many anti racists as possible to join us.

Medway Stand Up to Racism  

Kent Anti-Racism Network  

Kent Refugee Help

Roma Sinti Holocaust Group 

Beccy Sawbridge ex Seafarer and Herald of Free Enterprise Stewardess