LONDON’S BIGGEST EVER ANTI-RACIST EVENT THIS SUNDAY
LONDON’S BIGGEST EVER ANTI-RACIST EVENT THIS SUNDAY
Spectacular Alliance Comes Together to Stop the BNP
Love Music Hate Racism Carnival 08
12-6pm, Sunday 27th April 2008
Victoria Park, London E3
What brings veteran MP Tony Benn, rebel rocker Paul Simonon and gay and lesbian rights activist Ruth Hunt on stage together in a one-off all ages carnival spectacular alliance?
Organisers of this Sunday’s Love Music Hate Racism carnival expect that the event will attract over 100,000 people. And the message is clear- we want to celebrate the diversity of London and urge people to vote against the fascists in next week’s London elections.
The carnival has received broad support across the union movement. Unions lending a hand to the event include SERTUC, Connect, PCS, NASUWT, UCU, CWU, Unite the union, Musicians Union, NUT, Unison, UAF and LMHR.
Both the stage and the crowd will be a display of unity in the face of the BNP’s scramble to claw seats on the GLA. The event will bring together black, white and Asian, young and old, gay and straight to prove that racists and the BNP have no place in our society.
Tony Benn said: “Our world is now a little village packed with weapons of mass destruction. Racism breeds hatred that could destroy the human race. Music speaks to the heart of everyone and helps us to build peace”.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said:
“This powerful event comes at a crucial time. Music is an effective way of getting across the anti-racist message. I am looking forward to the concert on Sunday and want to congratulate the organisers on programming a fantastic line up. Next Thursday, 1 May, London will vote for it’s Mayor and Assembly. The fascist BNP narrowly missed getting a seat on the Assembly last election. This time they are likely to get one or even two seats. Their racism and hate do not represent this city. The only thing that will keep them out of London government is if people use their vote. Use your vote on Thursday to keep the fascist BNP out of City Hall.”
Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary said: “PCS has a proud history of fighting racism and facism and is delighted to support the Love Music Hate Racism Carnival. It promises to be another fantastic and historic day out - uniting musicians, music fans, trade union members and activists in celebrating London and the UK’s diversity. Everyone who opposes racism and fascism needs to play their part and come out to vote on May 1st to ensure that the far right are not not allowed to become a mainstream political voice.”
“Racism destroys lives. Education changes lives. The university and college union represents educators and we are therefore proud to support Unite against fascism. We send our solidarity and respect.” – Sally Hunt General Secretary UCU
The Carnival is an opportunity for young people to enjoy the music and find out why they need to take a stand against the fascist BNP. It is a day that could change your life - like the RAR carnival did 30 years ago. – Billy Hayes, General Secretary CWU
Ruth Hunt , Stonewall said: “Stonewall is proud to support Love Music Hate Racism. Every one of modern Britain’s diverse communities must stand together to challenge all forms of discrimination. There is no place for fascism and intolerance in a civilised society.”
Frances O’Grady, Deputy Secretary of the TUC, said: “The TUC is proud to support today’s Love Music Hate Racism carnival. In the 30 years since the famous Rock Against Racism event, we have made significant strides forward in the fight against race discrimination. But much remains to be done, not least in the continuing battle against the Far Right. On Thursday, people need to register their revulsion at the politics of hate by making sure they vote in the local and London elections”.
“Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first Rock Against Racism concert at this time serves to remind us all of how far we still have to go in opposing racism and fighting those who seek to perpetrate it. This week we see the elections for the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority. It is vital we encourage all Londoners to turn out and vote against candidates for the British National Party. Keep racism and its perpetrators out of City Hall.” - Linda Perks Greater London Region UNISON
“NASUWT with a quarter of a million members (the largest trades union representing teachers in all parts of the United Kingdom) enthusiastically supports the ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ Carnival. Fascism is an evil cancer which threatens our society. The Union will not tolerate racism within NASUWT, amongst teachers or in our schools. We are comitted to working with Unite Against Facism to drive the BNP out of our communities and to expel fascists and racists from education.” - Jerry Bartlett Deputy General Secretary NASUWT
This Sunday’s Love Music Hate Racism Carnival is a celebration of 30 years of anti racist struggle, but this is not merely a commemoration this is a campaign. We face the fascist BNP in this year’s London Assembly and next year’s European elections. – Glyn Ford MEP
For more information or to interview any of the speakers at the LMHR carnival ‘08, please contact Weyman Bennett on 07734 032 314 Lee Billingham 07838 156 052 or email press@lovemusichateracism.com
