`How can the Council try and ban people from protesting against cuts to the disabled, Care on Call and everything else at the same time as thinking it's ok for racists and fascists to meet at the Town Hall?'
Around three dozen demonstrators blocked the steps to Salford Civic Centre last night carrying placards that read `Keep Salford a Nazi Free Zone' and `The BNP is a Nazi Party – Don't Let Them Use Our Town Hall'.
They were opposing Salford Council's decision to allow the British National Party to hold a meeting inside the Centre which was scheduled for 5:30pm. A police van was parked around the corner, officers patrolled the perimeter of the complex and the Council's own security was out in force. But the BNP didn't show up – and by 7:30pm had formally cancelled the meeting, with opponents declaring a victory.
The decision by Salford Council to allow the BNP to meet angered organisers of the Rally On The Lawn Protest Rally and Fun Day this Saturday, starring Happy Mondays' Bez, which the Council has banned – although the day is going ahead*
"This gives the lie to the Council's claim that they daren't allow the anti cuts rally on Saturday" Paul Gerard from Salford Against the Cuts told the Salford Star last night "How can they not dare allow it because they are supposed to be even handed to all parties - and then allow the BNP to meet in a pre election period?
"It's outrageous, it shows their hypocrisy and it shows who they are really afraid of" he added "The BNP are a busted flush but they're scared of the anti cuts movement because we'll get a lot of people here on Saturday."
Ameen Hadi, Treasurer of Salford City Unison, was equally furious…
"How can the Council try and ban people from protesting against cuts to the disabled, Care on Call and everything else at the same time as thinking it's ok for racists and fascists to meet at the Town Hall?" he asked "I told the Council that and they thanked me for my comments!"
Ameen had earlier written to City Mayor, Ian Stewart, and Returning Officer, Ben Dolan, urging them to ban the BNP, after word leaked out in the afternoon that the secret meeting would take place…
"I am emailing you to ask for your intervention to ensure that the proposed BNP meeting planned for Thursday 15th May at Civic Centre, Swinton does not take place" he wrote "I understand that you are being advised that you have a legal duty to facilitate this meeting, but I am asking you to consider your other duties to the people of Salford.
"As an employer Salford City Council has a number of policies in place to challenge discrimination" he explained "As a provider of services it is legally bound to ensure equality of delivery regardless of gender, race, sexuality or disability. The BNP is an organisation that values none of those things. Wherever it is allowed a voice it uses that voice to preach bigotry and division.
"Please cancel this meeting" he concluded "If you do so and there are consequences you can rely on the support of our UNISON Branch and doubtless anti-racist campaigners from across the city and beyond to support you. Please - on behalf of our diverse city - take this step and tell the BNP that they are not welcome in a Salford City Council building or anywhere else."
The Council allowed the meeting to happen, although in the end it didn't happen – and now people are questioning the expense incurred. And questioning the Council's motives for continuing the ban on the anti-cuts rally and fun day on Saturday.
Rally On The Lawn with Bez, Hanky Park's James Davenport, Michael Burns and Keelan McNally
Saturday 17th May noon, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton
* See also previous Salford Star articles on the Rally On The Lawn – click here and click here
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