Three major events are being planned this month to commemorate those who fell in the battle against fascism in the last century.
Searchlight Cymru’s Wales Hope not Hate day on Sunday, May 17, will also highlight what the organisation describes as the “continuing threat of fascism in Wales in 2009”.
“This threat, although commonly perceived as being just against black and minority ethnic people, is actually a threat against us all,” said Searchlight Cymru.
“Everyone is threatened by the British National Party and everyone can work together to remove that threat.
“This special day will give supporters as well as Euro election campaigner’s space to come together and outline to the people of Wales just why the BNP and what it stands for is a threat to people like me and you.”
In Flint, Swansea and Cardiff, from 10.30am, simultaneous events will feature readings at the Cenotaph of 100 names of those who fell in World War 2 against fascism, a laying of wreaths and two minute’s silence.
Cardiff will also hold a similar event at the Spanish Civil War International Brigades Memorial at Cathays Park from 11.40am.
The Debate
Should Green Arrow and his 82-year-old mother, a former Labour activist, vote BNP in the upcoming National Assembly elections?
I am trying to persuade them otherwise… http://whatiswales.blogspot.com/2007/04/race-to-may-poll.html
Feel free to contribute.
Race to the May Poll
The British National Party will launch its manifesto for the National Assembly elections tomorrow.
It is fielding 20 candidates on May 3 – its largest campaign so far in Wales.
Its teaser ahead of the launch is for a pledge to “tear down the Severn Bridge toll-gates, and in their place erect a monumental bronze statue of Rebecca to symbolise the right to freedom of movement in Wales”.
The action would, it says, act “as a reminder to all who pass, of the heritage of the Welsh people”.
The party’s continual references to heritage and tradition provide clues of its underlying obsession – race. The campaign might make it appear that the party has moved into the mainstream, but the unpleasantness remains.
However, the BNP seems confident that it will soon have a representative in Wales – not at the assembly, but perhaps following next year’s council elections.
Take a look at the new edition of The Big Issue Cymru, out from Monday, to see a breakdown of the history of the BNP in Wales – and an analysis of its future.
Greg Lewis 