James Larkin Society March, Liverpool July 2012
a march for ‘working class unity against racism and fascism.
a march for ‘working class unity against racism and fascism.
James Larkin Society of Liverpool march for ‘working class unity against racism and fascism'. The march has been the subject of a great deal of controversy as various far-right groups have decided that it is an ‘IRA’ march.
Today saw a march in Liverpool for ‘working class unity against racism and fascism. The march was organised by the James Larkin Society of Liverpool. The march has been the subject of a great deal of controversy as various far-right groups have decided that it is an ‘IRA’ march, and subsequently spread misinformation and smears about the organisers and groups involved for cheap political gain.
A counter demonstration was called by various far-right groups and “peaceful patriots”. They attempted to block the road with a sit down protest at Park Road 5 minutes after the march started but were quickly moveed by police.
At several points the counter demonstration were forced back by the police and the march continued to the city centre and it's arranged rally point at the steps of the Metropolitian Cathedral.
By the time the rally arrived at the cathedral, there were only twenty or so “peaceful patriots” who decided to stay and demonstrate. Many far right groups decided to head to the pub and were closely monitored and followed by the police.
At the end of the rally the James Larkin Society provided buses to a social gathering away from the city centre.
Background
Over the past 7 years, this July event has been held to honour the Liverpool-born Irish Trades Unionist, Socialist and Republican, James Larkin (1876-1947). It has acted as a focus to highlight the contemporary issues and struggles of working-class people, in light of the example and inspiration left by Larkin. Each year has seen the event organised around a particular theme. Last year it was the centenary of the Liverpool General Transport Strike of 1911.
This year the theme is:
‘Working-Class Unity against Racism and Fascism’
The reason for this is that in the past year we have witnessed a significant and disturbing rise in threats and activity by extreme right-wing and neo-Nazi groups in Liverpool, including the National Front, NWI (‘North West Infidels’), CXF (‘Combined Ex-Forces’), BNP and EDL. Their activities have included:
1. Harassment of the public sector strike day march inLiverpoolin November 2011
2. An attack on an Irish community parade in February 2012
3. Threats against the Occupy Liverpool Camp protesters
4. Attempts to attack the UNITE Liverpool Trades Union office
5. Repeated attacks on the News From Nowhere progressive bookshop
6. Personal threats against prominent local Trades Unionists
7. Four Far Right candidates stood in the Liverpool Mayoral Elections in May. Their total vote was minimal, but they used the opportunity to spread their message of race hate
8. Verbal abuse and physical threats against PCS Union members on picket-line duty in Bootle during the public sector strike day on 10th May.
The march and rally on 21st July was an opportunity for trades unionists, members of all of Liverpool’s diverse communities, and all progressive groups to unite in opposition against the threat from these racist and fascist groups.
To use any of these images please contact me via my Liverpool photography website www.djcdesign.co.uk
Today saw a march in Liverpool for ‘working class unity against racism and fascism. The march was organised by the James Larkin Society of Liverpool. The march has been the subject of a great deal of controversy as various far-right groups have decided that it is an ‘IRA’ march, and subsequently spread misinformation and smears about the organisers and groups involved for cheap political gain.
A counter demonstration was called by various far-right groups and “peaceful patriots”. They attempted to block the road with a sit down protest at Park Road 5 minutes after the march started but were quickly moveed by police.
At several points the counter demonstration were forced back by the police and the march continued to the city centre and it's arranged rally point at the steps of the Metropolitian Cathedral.
By the time the rally arrived at the cathedral, there were only twenty or so “peaceful patriots” who decided to stay and demonstrate. Many far right groups decided to head to the pub and were closely monitored and followed by the police.
At the end of the rally the James Larkin Society provided buses to a social gathering away from the city centre.
Background
Over the past 7 years, this July event has been held to honour the Liverpool-born Irish Trades Unionist, Socialist and Republican, James Larkin (1876-1947). It has acted as a focus to highlight the contemporary issues and struggles of working-class people, in light of the example and inspiration left by Larkin. Each year has seen the event organised around a particular theme. Last year it was the centenary of the Liverpool General Transport Strike of 1911.
This year the theme is:
‘Working-Class Unity against Racism and Fascism’
The reason for this is that in the past year we have witnessed a significant and disturbing rise in threats and activity by extreme right-wing and neo-Nazi groups in Liverpool, including the National Front, NWI (‘North West Infidels’), CXF (‘Combined Ex-Forces’), BNP and EDL. Their activities have included:
1. Harassment of the public sector strike day march inLiverpoolin November 2011
2. An attack on an Irish community parade in February 2012
3. Threats against the Occupy Liverpool Camp protesters
4. Attempts to attack the UNITE Liverpool Trades Union office
5. Repeated attacks on the News From Nowhere progressive bookshop
6. Personal threats against prominent local Trades Unionists
7. Four Far Right candidates stood in the Liverpool Mayoral Elections in May. Their total vote was minimal, but they used the opportunity to spread their message of race hate
8. Verbal abuse and physical threats against PCS Union members on picket-line duty in Bootle during the public sector strike day on 10th May.
The march and rally on 21st July was an opportunity for trades unionists, members of all of Liverpool’s diverse communities, and all progressive groups to unite in opposition against the threat from these racist and fascist groups.
To use any of these images please contact me via my Liverpool photography website www.djcdesign.co.uk
