Pendle Unite Against Fascism

[michele cryer]

Letter to editor:

Dear Sir,

Standing outside Nelson Library looking down a cold, half demolished, windswept Market Street I felt quite sad for Nelson. Twenty minutes later coming away from the Holocaust Memorial and going for a cup of coffee with those of different faiths, and none, I felt the will of the people to refuse division and bitterness and I felt better.

I felt more hopeful for Nelson because, whatever its problems, it still has people of like mind, whatever their backgrounds, politics or faith, who will stand up and say "never again" to intolerance and blame.

Helen Christie
(Pendle United Against Fascism)

[Mitch]

That's a nice letter, I agree with it and always feel hopeful in Nelson. Anti fascist campaigns are always strong in Nelson thank goodness, and Helen is one of the best anti fascist organisers I've ever met!

I think the danger of BNP encroachment is much more in Burnley. The BNP are everywhere in Burnley at the moment, present in every residents' campaign handing out leaflets, and lurking below some residents associations. A key part of the problem here is that there is a long history of complacent Labour (and other political party) councillors not listening to residents which literally opens the door to the BNP, and the context of increasing low pay, poverty and powerlessness also plays it's part.

There's got to be an effective challenge to such issues which have facilitated a growth in the BNP in Burnley for us to effectively get rid of the BNP in this area for good (Fred expressed this best in his recent article in Northern Voices - I'm going to retype that article for the Voice shortly so all can read it) Oh boy I welcome the day when we get rid of the BNP.

I look forward again to working with anti fascist groups in both Burnley and Pendle - we share a common anti fascist mindset, even if we agree on some of the tactics for fighting it.

Best wishes to Helen from me.

Mitch

[michele cryer]

Hi Mitch,

I'm pleased to hear that you liked the letter too...I sent my comments to Helen the other day, on receipt of her email with it reprinted. I agree that more needs to be done about the BNP presence in Burnley, and that The Voice would be a good place to start. I too look forward to working closely with the anti fascists in both Burnley and Pendle.