Dear friends,
Leeds Stand Up To Racism is no longer using this page.
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https://en-gb.facebook.com/leedssutr/
Twitter – @SUTRLeeds
Instagram – @LeedsSUTR
Or please email sutrleeds@gmail.com
Many thanks and solidarity
For more information on booking your place on the Leeds transport please see here: https://www.facebook.com/events/251382669119550/
Please follow our facebook page here for updates and current and future activities
https://www.facebook.com/events/251382669119550/
@SUTRLeeds
Saturday 17 November, Central London
Share and invite to the facebook event here
https://www.facebook.com/events/1887445111550804/
We are experiencing the biggest rise in support for fascism, the far right, racism, Islamophobia and Antisemitism since the 1930s. In Britain fascists and racists are mobilising on a scale not seen for decades. We must unite against this threat, which is why we are calling a national demonstration against fascism and racism on Saturday 17 November in London.
The demonstration is initiated by Stand Up To Racism, co-sponsored by Unite Against Fascism and Love Music Hate Racism, and is supported by Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell amongst others.
The recent rise in attacks by the far right has created a real thirst for a mass anti-racist mobilisation in the spirit of the Anti Nazi League. Now is the time to take to the streets.
There is an urgent need to build a movement against racism and fascism. Help us mobilise for 17 November by joining Stand Up to Racism.
National unity demonstration against fascism and racism, Saturday 17 November
Leeds Stand Up to Racism will be organising transport down for the national demo – email sutrleeds@gmail.com or see fb link here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/336927150212916/
Tuesday 4 September – Leeds Stand Up to Racism forum – how do we stop the rise of the racist and fascist right?
Tuesday 4 September – 6.30pm, The Rosebowl, Portland Crescent LS1 3HB – all welcome
https://www.facebook.com/events/225886121410567/
Saturday 20 October – Stand Up to Racism International Conference, London
https://www.facebook.com/events/210042889749697/
Leeds SUTR have organised some transport down for the international conference – please email sutrleeds@gmail.com for more info – and there is a model motion for trade union branches here:
The Ford Maguire Society present
The Leylands Riots of June 1917
Wednesday, 19th September, at 7pm Northern School of Contemporary Dance 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4BH
On 3rd and 4th June 1917, Leeds experienced some of the worst rioting in its history, when thousands of its inhabitants stormed into the Leylands district of the city, vandalising the homes, communal buildings and business premises of the city’s large Jewish community. This lecture will commence with an examination of both the long-term trends and the immediate causes of this outrage. The major events will then be thoroughly analysed and, finally, the roles of the police, the judiciary, the local press and the national government will all be critically assessed
Speaker: Dr David Beeston
We say that the fascist Tommy Robinson is not welcome in Leeds ever again – please sign this petition and spread the word!
Sunday 5 August – Leeds Pride – Join Leeds Stand Up to Racism and LGBT+ Against Islamophobia at Leeds Pride – join us to say ‘no to Islamophobia, no to homophobia, refugees welcome!’ Meet 11am Leeds City Museum steps, Millennium Square
https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/1304051379731498/
Saturday 25 August – York Stand Up to Racism Protest against UKIP and the DFLA in York – assemble 11am Parliament Square York
https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/1896332913821031/
Sunday 26 and Monday 27 August – Leeds Black Music Festival and Leeds West Indian Carnival, Potternewton Park – we have a Stand Up to Racism stall and will be selling Love Music Hate Racism T-shirts – come and find us and help out for an hour or so if possible- contact us on fb for more info.
Tuesday 4 September – Leeds Stand Up to Racism forum – how do we stop the rise of the racist and fascist right?
4 September – 6.30pm, The Rosebowl, Portland Crescent LS1 3HB – all welcome
https://www.facebook.com/events/225886121410567/
22 September – Birmingham Stand Up to Racism Protest at UKIP’s national conference –
https://www.facebook.com/events/428045657715702/
Saturday 20 October – Stand Up to Racism International Conference, London
https://www.facebook.com/events/210042889749697/
Leeds SUTR have organised some transport down – please email sutrleeds@gmail.com for more info – and there is a model motion for trade union branches here:
Tommy Robinson supporters intimidate a Unite member on the 14 July in London
In London on 14 July some 6,000 racist and fascist supporters of Trump and Tommy Robinson rallied – and were met with a 3,000 strong counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism and Unite Against Fascism. After the far-right “Free Tommy Robinson” demonstration heard a range of Islamophobic speakers spread anti-Muslim bile in Whitehall, Trump and Robinson supporters went on the rampage, harassing a Muslim woman bus driver and attacking a senior trade unionist, Steve Hedley, deputy general secretary of the RMT, who had spoken on the anti-racist counter-demonstration. At our meeting following this attack, Leeds Stand Up to Racism sends the following message of solidarity to Steve Hedley:
‘Leeds Stand Up to Racism sends solidarity greetings to Steve Hedley, deputy general secretary of the RMT union, and other RMT activists who were violently attacked by fascists after protesting against a mobilisation of Tommy Robinson supporters. Those Tommy Robinson supporters also intimidated a Muslim woman driving a bus in London, among others on the day. In Leeds we have seen what Tommy Robinson supporters mean by ‘free speech’ when a Free Tommy Robinson march on 1 June this year was followed just a few days later by racists arson attacks on a local Mosque and Gurdwara. We also remember the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox by a fascist in 2016. Whenever racists and fascists mobilise on the streets to whip up hatred and peddle their hate speech, violence and racist attacks inevitably follow – and the unprovoked attack on the RMT leadership shows clearly that their targets include trade unionists and labour movement activists as well as those from minority faith communities. We pledge to stand together and redouble our efforts to build the kind of mass movement that can turn the tide on the racists and fascists.’
If June was a dark month for Leeds, with two mobilisations of hundreds of racist and fascist supporters of jailed fascist Tommy Robinson in the city, and a local mosque and Sikh temple firebombed by racists – July showed clearly what sort of city Leeds really is.
On Saturday 7 July around over 700 anti-racists and anti-fascists took to the streets to massively outnumber 100 or so members of the fascist ‘Yorkshire Patriots’ – for a report of the day see here, while a journalist also reported on the Stand Up to Racism mobilisation on the day here.
Shadow Secretary of State for Justice Richard Burgon MP addressing the Stand Up to Racism rally on 7 July in Leeds – Hilary Benn MP also spoke while we recieved a message of support from Fabian Hamilton MP. Other speakers including local trade unionists, members of faith communities and anti-racist campaigners. There was also a great mobilisation by Wakefield Stand Up to Racism on the same day, where 250 anti-racists humiliated about 20 members of the fascist National Front.
On the march in Leeds on 7 July
A few days later there were two rallies against the world’s number one racist Donald Trump in Leeds, organised by the Stand Up to Trump coalition in solidarity with the national ‘Together Against Trump’ protests, which Leeds SUTR were part of – and 50 people also travelled down to London on the Leeds Stand Up to Trump coach.
On 12 July 50 or so people rallied just as Trump flew into the country.
Kauser Jan of Leeds NEU addressing the mass Leeds Against Trump rally on Friday 13 July in Leeds – 1,500 people marched around Leeds that evening – while 250,000 rallied in London and thousands took to the streets up and down the country 
Part of the mass march in Leeds on 13 July against Trump – ‘this is what democracy looks like!’
The protest on 7 July in Leeds and the mass Trump protests both locally and nationally show the potential to build a mass united anti-racist movement that can turn the tide back against the racist offensive coming from the top of society – from the likes of Trump and also May, responsible for the ‘hostile environment’ policy which led to the Windrush scandal – and also the fascists like Tommy Robinson who are emboldened by Trump and May who are trying to build a street movement in Britain. If you want to help us build such a movement in Leeds please get in touch with us – and join Stand Up to Racism nationally here.
Stand Up to Trump
The warmongering racist sexist bigot US President Donald Trump is set to come to the UK on 12-14 July 2018 – we need to organise to give him the welcome he deserves!
TRUMP TEACH–IN: WHAT MAKES DONALD SO DANGEROUS?
Thursday 5 July 7pm Leeds University Business School – Maurice Keyworth Lecture Theatre G.02. Organised by Leeds Stand Up to Trump and Leeds University UCU with speakers inc. Prof Richard Seaford (British Committee for the Universities of Palestine) on Trump and Palestine, Kathy Saemian (Iranian activist) on Trump’s war plans for Iran, Prof Gary Dymski (Leeds) on ‘The Contradictions of Trumpean Economics’ and Sam Kirk (Leeds Stand Up to Racism) on Trump’s racism and the growing threat of the international far-right and Dr Diane Nelson (Leeds) on Trump and the environmental crisis.
KEEP LEEDS FASCIST FREE
Saturday 7 July – Rally and March to Celebrate and Defend Multicultural Leeds – meet 12.30 Leeds in front of Town Hall steps, Headrow, LS1 3AD for more info see here:
https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/259323607968184/
LEEDS TOGETHER AGAINST TRUMP PROTESTS
Thursday 12 July – meet 5pm Leeds City Art Gallery / Victoria Gardens LS1 3AA
https://www.facebook.com/events/465417600585195/
and Friday 13 July – meet 5pm Leeds Dortmund Square off Headrow
https://www.facebook.com/events/194517081187143/
LEEDS COACH FOR LONDON NATIONAL DEMO TOGETHER AGAINST TRUMP
Friday 13 July – leaving Leeds 8am – tickets £9-27
For more information on above find ‘Leeds Stand Up to Trump’ on fb or twitter @LCAW1
Leeds Stand Up to Trump are also campaigning so that Leeds City Council declares Leeds a Trump free zone – please sign the petition here:
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/make-leeds-a-trump-free-zone
Celebrate and Defend Multicultural Leeds – Don’t Let the Racists Divide Us – Keep Leeds fascist free
On Saturday 7 July supporters of Tommy Robinson plan to return to Leeds to whip up division and spread racism and Islamophobia. What is left of the fascist EDL will be joined by extremists from other splinter racist and fascist groups. Join Leeds Stand Up To Racism and Leeds Unite Against Fascism in central Leeds in opposing the politics of hate and fear and to send a message they are not welcome here – meet 12.30pm Leeds Town Hall steps, Headrow LS1 3AD on Saturday 7 July – see the fb event here:
https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/259323607968184/
This rally and march now has the support of Yorkshire and Humber TUC and many local and regional trade unions.
Campaign statement
Fascist EDL not welcome in multicultural Leeds – Don’t let the racists divide us
The racist and fascist English Defence League (EDL) is getting ready to march through Leeds on Saturday 7 July in support of their jailed ex-leader Tommy Robinson.
On 1 June 3-400 racists and fascists marched through Leeds in defence of Robinson chanting ‘Muslims off our streets’.
Just days later, on 5 June, the Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque and the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Beeston were targeted in horrific racist arson attacks.
In response to this, over 150 people joined a ‘Beeston Together for Peace and Unity’ vigil called by local Stand Up to Racism activists in Cross Flatts Park, and then walked to the Mosque and the Gurdwara to show solidarity.
On Saturday 9 June a pro Tommy Robinson demo in London saw around 15,000 far right activists take to the streets.
The demonstration to defend ‘free speech’ saw anti-racists and the police attacked and Robinson supporters giving the Hitler salute in Whitehall.
It is symbolic that the EDL are now planning to march on 7 July in Leeds. It is the anniversary of the terrible tube and bus bombings in London in 2005. In the immediate aftermath racists and fascists tried to exploit the tragedy to whip up racism in Leeds.
The atmosphere created by the far right and Robinson supporters is toxic. Whenever fascists march and mobilise; violence and racism follow in their wake.
Robinson and his supporters have been attempting to build the kind of mass far right street movements that we have seen across much of Europe.
They have been using Islamophobia as a tool to build support, particularly in the wake of the London Bridge and Manchester terrorist attacks.
The last year has seen the growth of the Football Lads Alliance (FLA) and the Democratic Football Lads Alliance (DFLA). They have brought thousands onto the streets. Increasingly they have been linked both to UKIP and also to Tommy Robinson and the fascist right.
We can’t let racists and fascists march through our city without facing mass opposition from the anti-racist majority. We are that majority and we recognise the threat of this resurgent racist and fascist movement on the streets.
We cannot allow Robinson, a violent racist, to become a focus for a new far right street movement. It is more important than ever that our proudly multicultural and multi faith city continues to stand united and sends the EDL and the DFLA and their supporters a message that they are not welcome here. We support the mobilisation initiated by Leeds Stand Up To Racism and Leeds Unite Against Fascism of those opposed to racism and fascism on 7 July.
Endorsed by: Richard Burgon MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Justice); Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary; Bill Adams, Yorkshire and Humber TUC regional secretary; Jane Aitchison, President Leeds TUC and Labour Prospective Parliamentary candidate Pudsey; Ikram Butt, former England Rugby League International and founder and CEO of British Asian Rugby Association; Tosh McDonald, President ASLEF; Cllr David Jenkins; Cllr Kevin Ritchie; Leeds Local Government Branch UNISON; Leeds University UCU; West Yorkshire NAPO; Leeds City College UCU; Leeds Hope Not Hate; Racial Justice Network; West Yorkshire MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development); Central and Outer Leeds Green Party; Neil Derrick, Yorkshire and Humber GMB regional secretary, Andrew Aldwinkle and Rachel Dix, GMB Yorkshire regional organisers; Ann Cruse-Stoddart and Mick Hooson, convenor and chair of West Yorkshire NAPO respectively; Simon Elliot on behalf of PCS Yorkshire and Humber regional committee and Marion Lloyd, PCS Yorkshire and regional Chair; Isobella DeMartino, chair, Leeds Coalition Against the War; Leon Fleming, playwright; Marvina Newton, founder of Black Lives Matter Leeds; Karen Reay – Unite Regional Secretary; Nita Sanghera, UCU Vice President; Darren Smith and Daniela Prataviera (Leeds Language Academy); Jennie Appleyard; Jackie Baker, NUT NEC; Andy Bateman, UCU and Counsellor, Mandy Brown, UCU NEC; Lynne Chamberlain, secretary Greenwich and Bexley TUC; Hazel Danson, NUT NEC; James Dean, UNISON, Jess Edwards, NUT NEC, Dr Karen Evans, Laura Jane Fisher, Wakefield NUT Young Teachers; James Fraser-Currie; Dennis Gibbons, Leeds NEU NUT Treasurer; Sally Harris, UNITE Community; Simon Hewitt, UCU; Mandy Hudson, NUT NEC; Kauser Jan, NEU and assistant headteacher; Steve Johnston, Leeds TUC treasurer; Simon Jones, NUT NEC; Gawain Little, NUT NEC; Gary Kaye, trade union activist and Leeds Utd supporter; Daniel Kebede, NUT NEC; Sally Kincaid, joint secretary of Wakefield and District NEU; Roger King, NUT NEC; Liz Kitching; Martin Knight; Gerry Lavery, Unite Community Leeds and Wakefield (pc); Toby Mallinson, joint secretary of Sheffield and District NEU; Kate Mayer, GMB; Jo McNeill, UCU NEC; Laura Miles, UCU NEC; Brian Mulvey, UNISON; Dave Muritu, UCU NEC; Ian Murch, NUT NEC; Simon Murch, NEU NEC, Patrick Murphy, NUT NEC; David Paine, UCU; Annette Pryce, NUT NEC; Louise Regan, NUT NEC and Past President; Peter Shaw, Leeds TUC and UNITE; Stefan Sims, NUT NEC; Namibia Tobias, teacher; Rebecca Townesend; Waqas Tufail, Leeds Beckett UCU; Jade Unal; Kerry Unal; Nick Wigmore, NUT NEC; Amanda Wignall; and many others.
[To add your name / organisation to this statement please email sutrleeds@gmail.com ]
(credit: Dave Goodfield)
Many thanks to the over 150 or so people who came today (Sunday 10 June) to support the inspiring Beeston together for peace and unity community vigil organised by Leeds Stand Up to Racism to show solidarity with those targeted by the firebombings of the local mosque and Sikh temple. You can read a report of the vigil and messages of solidarity from a wide range of people from across the local community it got here in South Leeds Life and more images of the vigil on the event facebook page.
The firebombings took place a few days after a march of racists and fascists in support of Tommy Robinson took place in Leeds – see the statement we put out here. In less than a months time the fascist EDL plan to return to Leeds on 7 July in support of their former leader Tommy Robinson – Leeds Stand Up to Racism in conjunction with Unite Against Fascism are organising a counter-protest against them – we cannot allow fascists to run rampage on our streets again leaving racism, violence and terror in their wake. Coming just after about 15,000 fascists took to the streets of London on 9 June – see the report here the need for the kind of unity against racism and fascism on display in Beeston today is critical – we urge people to get in touch with us for more information about how to build the biggest protest possible in Leeds against racism and fascism on Saturday 7 July – we have to organise to turn the slogan ‘¡No pasarán!– they shall not pass’ into a reality.
Fb page for the ‘Fascist EDL not welcome in Leeds’ counterprotest on Saturday 7 July organised by Leeds Stand Up to Racism and Leeds Unite Against Fascism:
https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/259323607968184/
Leeds Stand Up To Racism 