Express & Star

Express & Star comment: Dudley 'anti-islamisation' rally is a washout

Three thousand supporters of 'the cause' had pledged to descend upon Dudley – despite the fears and opposition voiced by people of the town.

Published

The far right All Football Fans/Firms March Against Islamisation group were exercising their freedom of speech and had 'massive support' in Dudley according to organiser Kevin Smith.

Because despite all of the rhetoric, the posters showing huge demonstrations of masked marchers and violent battleground images and the promises of 3,000 would-be protesters only 200 actually turned up on Saturday. And that is a generous estimate.

They may be uniting to fight the 'slow decay of our national identity' but not if it rains, apparently.

Despite trying to appeal to the worst elements of football and claiming to have businesses on side – of which there is no evidence – their rally turned out to be a bit of a damp squib.

Because groups like this are not the voice of Dudley and they are not the voice of the average British man – whatever they may claim.

A protester in a pig head mask

Compare this pathetic gathering with the 1,000-plus people who visited the Dudley Central Mosque Islam exhibition the previous weekend. Their aim to was to educate and dispel myths about the religion, falsehoods often spread by far right groups.

Those who attended the exhibition included the mayor, MP Ian Austin and local clergy such as the bishop. Decent, upstanding citizens of Dudley who want harmony, not protests on their streets.

Yes, there is opposition to plans to build a new mosque in the town. But this is a planning matter that will be dealt with through the appropriate channels in a civilised, democratic manner.

Well done to the traders and shoppers who refused to be intimidated at the weekend and made it 'business as usual' even thought they were facing the third protest by a far right group and had witnessed violence on the streets previously.

The people of Dudley have made their views clear. They do not want far right groups like this coming to the town, damaging its reputation.

The message to any far right groups trying to use a legitimate planning issue in Dudley to raise their profile and stir up trouble is clear: 'You are not wanted in Dudley. Go away and stay away.'

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