Brighton police criticise plans to disrupt March for England (From The Argus)
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Brighton police criticise plans to disrupt March for England
11:30am Wednesday 18th April 2012 in News By Emily Walker, Chief Reporter
Police have said they are “disappointed” with anti-fascists’ plans to oppose a “patriotic” march.
March For England members are planning to walk from Brighton Station to Victoria Gardens on Sunday and police have warned that it is “inevitable” city residents will face disruption.
Anti-fascists groups have announced plans to line the route to “mock and harangue” the marchers.
But despite March for England’s supposed links to anti-Islamic protests and football hooliganism groups, the police have criticised the decision to try to disrupt the event.
Superintendent Steve Whitton, who will be in charge of the policing operation on Sunday, said he was “disappointed” that members of opposition groups including Unite Against Fascism had not told the force their plans for the day.
However anti-fascists said their plans had always been public and that officers had their contact details.
Supt Whitton said: “I am concerned that there may be some people attending this event whose intention is not to peacefully protest and whose behaviour will go beyond that which is acceptable.
“We have been in discussion with the organiser for the March for England and have agreed a route from the |railway station to Victoria Gardens where speeches will take place before the event closes.
“Unfortunately we have not been able to discuss plans for the policing operation and any plans for a counter protest although obviously we are very aware there will be counter protests on the day.
“This is disappointing.
“Engagement with opposing groups has been limited so far but we will continue to try to contact any such organisers to establish their intentions for the day.
“I would appeal to anyone who does want to protest to speak with police so that we can assist in giving everyone the right to peacefully protest while getting your voice heard.
“As in previous such events some disruption in the city centre is inevitable, particularly if both protest groups rendezvous at Brighton Railway Station and when the marches finish at Victoria Gardens. I encourage any counter protestors to go to Victoria Gardens as, for safety reasons, we will be restricting numbers at the railway station.”
A UAF activist, who did not wish to be named, said: “We have made public all of our plans.”
March for England organiser Dave Smeeton, from Portsmouth, said members of the group were not racists and had no links to EDL, but added that he had previously taken part in EDL protests.
He added: “We have been trying to do everything we can to make it a peaceful event.
“Last time it was them that were throwing bottles.”
Comments(30)
voiceofthescoombe
says...
11:40am Wed 18 Apr 12
your not from Brighton you have no links with the city and your not wanted.
70 years ago people like you could be set on fire and then shot.
Ashles
says...
12:19pm Wed 18 Apr 12
censored
says...
12:19pm Wed 18 Apr 12
spa301
says...
12:19pm Wed 18 Apr 12
If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.
lordenglandofsussex
says...
12:30pm Wed 18 Apr 12
All 9 of me
says...
12:43pm Wed 18 Apr 12
ecoomb, he attended a National Front rally in Brighton in the late 1980's, and hasn't quite been the same since
Fercri Sakes
says...
12:46pm Wed 18 Apr 12
lordenglandofsussex wrote:Just don't tell them that the Royal Family is German. It might confuse them.
I would urge the pensioners of B&H to join this march, fly the George Cross and show these left-wing fascists and anti-English racists that it is still our country.
Ashles
says...
12:49pm Wed 18 Apr 12
Fercri Sakes wrote:That's not true.
lordenglandofsussex wrote: I would urge the pensioners of B&H to join this march, fly the George Cross and show these left-wing fascists and anti-English racists that it is still our country.Just don't tell them that the Royal Family is German. It might confuse them.
Some are Greek.
lordenglandofsussex
says...
1:00pm Wed 18 Apr 12
All 9 of me wrote:Wrong by many miles my little Marxist. The village of Battle to be exact. Retired and filthy rich to be even more exact.
please excuse lordxenophobeofmouls
ecoomb, he attended a National Front rally in Brighton in the late 1980's, and hasn't quite been the same since
Andy R
says...
1:02pm Wed 18 Apr 12
spa301 wrote:Obviously missing the bit in the article where it states that the "anti's" plans are in the public domain and the police know how to get hold of them, then?
Why do the anti's always come across as slightly immature, slightly hysterical and seemingly unwilling to cooperate with the police. If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.
My union organised a march a few years back. We liaised fully with the police - only for them to forget it was on and fail to turn up on the day! We stewarded it quite effectively ourselves.
I've been generally "disappointed" with Sussex Police for the best part of 35 years......
spa301
says...
1:26pm Wed 18 Apr 12
Andy R wrote:My observation was not specific to this report.
spa301 wrote: Why do the anti's always come across as slightly immature, slightly hysterical and seemingly unwilling to cooperate with the police. If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.Obviously missing the bit in the article where it states that the "anti's" plans are in the public domain and the police know how to get hold of them, then? My union organised a march a few years back. We liaised fully with the police - only for them to forget it was on and fail to turn up on the day! We stewarded it quite effectively ourselves. I've been generally "disappointed" with Sussex Police for the best part of 35 years......
Information being in the public domain is not the same as liaising with the police.
Were it not for the police, many more people with strident but opposing views would have been injured over the years.
whereisthe...?
says...
1:35pm Wed 18 Apr 12
Anyone with half a brain knows the March For England lot for what they are - go GOOGLE / CHECK YOUTUBE / POSTS ON FACEBOOK / GUARDIAN ARTICLES ETC, ETC, ETC.
If you are one of the racist posters, ask a relative, or someone not stupid to do it for you.
It is not a question of are they / are they not racist - its WHY such overt displays of racism are encouraged and allowed by so many Brightonians. As I made clear with the refs - its SIMPLE - Its either STUPIDITY ("They don't seem racist to me...) OR plain ol' RACISM...!
Andy R
says...
1:54pm Wed 18 Apr 12
spa301 wrote:My disappointment can only increase with your apparent claim that a police officer has not yet mastered the use of the plastic object with a keypad that sits on his desk....
Andy R wrote:My observation was not specific to this report. Information being in the public domain is not the same as liaising with the police. Were it not for the police, many more people with strident but opposing views would have been injured over the years.spa301 wrote: Why do the anti's always come across as slightly immature, slightly hysterical and seemingly unwilling to cooperate with the police. If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.Obviously missing the bit in the article where it states that the "anti's" plans are in the public domain and the police know how to get hold of them, then? My union organised a march a few years back. We liaised fully with the police - only for them to forget it was on and fail to turn up on the day! We stewarded it quite effectively ourselves. I've been generally "disappointed" with Sussex Police for the best part of 35 years......
Saltdean Resident
says...
2:31pm Wed 18 Apr 12
spa301
says...
2:55pm Wed 18 Apr 12
Andy R wrote:I too am now very disappointed........
spa301 wrote:My disappointment can only increase with your apparent claim that a police officer has not yet mastered the use of the plastic object with a keypad that sits on his desk....Andy R wrote:My observation was not specific to this report. Information being in the public domain is not the same as liaising with the police. Were it not for the police, many more people with strident but opposing views would have been injured over the years.spa301 wrote: Why do the anti's always come across as slightly immature, slightly hysterical and seemingly unwilling to cooperate with the police. If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.Obviously missing the bit in the article where it states that the "anti's" plans are in the public domain and the police know how to get hold of them, then? My union organised a march a few years back. We liaised fully with the police - only for them to forget it was on and fail to turn up on the day! We stewarded it quite effectively ourselves. I've been generally "disappointed" with Sussex Police for the best part of 35 years......
.............. with the general calibre of discussion regarding this subject.
Time to bow out.
doctorkiller
says...
3:51pm Wed 18 Apr 12
spa301 wrote:why should the police run around for the turds in the anti english brigade, sorry its not their. job if you want to be little pratts and turn up at everything thats your right but its your job to tell the police its not their job to chase stupid scumbags like you around and waste time phoning every lil non entity anti phone line. get it morons.
Andy R wrote:I too am now very disappointed........
spa301 wrote:My disappointment can only increase with your apparent claim that a police officer has not yet mastered the use of the plastic object with a keypad that sits on his desk....Andy R wrote:My observation was not specific to this report. Information being in the public domain is not the same as liaising with the police. Were it not for the police, many more people with strident but opposing views would have been injured over the years.spa301 wrote: Why do the anti's always come across as slightly immature, slightly hysterical and seemingly unwilling to cooperate with the police. If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.Obviously missing the bit in the article where it states that the "anti's" plans are in the public domain and the police know how to get hold of them, then? My union organised a march a few years back. We liaised fully with the police - only for them to forget it was on and fail to turn up on the day! We stewarded it quite effectively ourselves. I've been generally "disappointed" with Sussex Police for the best part of 35 years......
.............. with the general calibre of discussion regarding this subject.
Time to bow out.
doctorkiller
says...
3:51pm Wed 18 Apr 12
spa301 wrote:why should the police run around for the turds in the anti english brigade, sorry its not their job if you want to be little pratts and turn up at everything thats your right but its your job to tell the police its not their job to chase stupid scumbags like you around and waste time phoning every lil non entity anti phone line. get it morons.
Andy R wrote:I too am now very disappointed........
spa301 wrote:My disappointment can only increase with your apparent claim that a police officer has not yet mastered the use of the plastic object with a keypad that sits on his desk....Andy R wrote:My observation was not specific to this report. Information being in the public domain is not the same as liaising with the police. Were it not for the police, many more people with strident but opposing views would have been injured over the years.spa301 wrote: Why do the anti's always come across as slightly immature, slightly hysterical and seemingly unwilling to cooperate with the police. If they could address these issues I'm sure their support would be all the greater.Obviously missing the bit in the article where it states that the "anti's" plans are in the public domain and the police know how to get hold of them, then? My union organised a march a few years back. We liaised fully with the police - only for them to forget it was on and fail to turn up on the day! We stewarded it quite effectively ourselves. I've been generally "disappointed" with Sussex Police for the best part of 35 years......
.............. with the general calibre of discussion regarding this subject.
Time to bow out.
onedaytheleftwillburn
says...
5:43pm Wed 18 Apr 12
All 9 of me wrote:Hang on my sides have just split, you sure are funny, you may wish to consider standup.
please excuse lordxenophobeofmouls
ecoomb, he attended a National Front rally in Brighton in the late 1980's, and hasn't quite been the same since
onedaytheleftwillburn
says...
5:48pm Wed 18 Apr 12
whereisthe...? wrote:Thanks for that now why dont you F off back to the slum pit where you came from you complete an utter returd.
nice to see the illiterate racists out in force posting today - "helo too yuu orl" (Hello to you all).
Anyone with half a brain knows the March For England lot for what they are - go GOOGLE / CHECK YOUTUBE / POSTS ON FACEBOOK / GUARDIAN ARTICLES ETC, ETC, ETC.
If you are one of the racist posters, ask a relative, or someone not stupid to do it for you.
It is not a question of are they / are they not racist - its WHY such overt displays of racism are encouraged and allowed by so many Brightonians. As I made clear with the refs - its SIMPLE - Its either STUPIDITY ("They don't seem racist to me...) OR plain ol' RACISM...!
Keith Williamson
says...
6:56pm Wed 18 Apr 12
OokMcKook
says...
12:16am Thu 19 Apr 12
Or need we forget they Don't scream racism when st patricks/st davids fay marches etc take place yet the UAF and HnH scream racism at English/British marches.
Or it it now the fact the left funded by those who would be at home in orwells 1984 just want brits of all colors to bow and scrape to everyone else?
The Old Crippel
says...
12:53am Thu 19 Apr 12
Retired Loon in Brighton
says...
2:51pm Thu 19 Apr 12
It's important the public pay for the costs of the nappy-waving on both sides because it gives some much needed respite to all of their parents and/or carers...it's not just a day out for either group, it's a day off for all of their mums.
workingclassandproudofit
says...
6:56pm Thu 19 Apr 12
LawrenceG
says...
12:30am Fri 20 Apr 12
The MfE is an organisation as well as an event and as an organisation they are very much part of the new fascism – the growing European 'counter-jihad' right. Although the annual march in Brighton is the main public event organised by the group, their banners can be found at many other EDL protests across the country. It's leadership are enthusiastic members and supporters of the EDL. MfE membership overlaps significantly with other groups including the Infidels, English Nationalist Alliance, Stop Islamification of Europe and Casuals United. Their focus is on a sense of English rather than British identity and opposition to Islam.
Although MfE claim to simply be patriots – what they mean by 'English values' is in fact thinly veiled racism, often although not limited to anti-muslim statements.
During their last outing in Brighton the MfE openly displayed English Defence League flags.
This year there have been desperate pleas by organisers to make this a 'no colours' event, i.e. that EDL members should leave their flags at home.
The truth is that the MfE come to Brighton because they feel that it is a site of 'anti-english' activity – they are against pretty much everything our city stands for.
We stand in opposition to the March for England not because we are anti-free speech. We have no problem with anyone celebrating their national, regional or ethnic identity or criticizing organised religion. We are not calling on the police or local government to ban this march. However we believe that ideologies of hate flourish when they are ignored and want the people of Brighton to show that the hate speech of the English Defence League isn’t welcome here or anywhere. The MfE were given the benefit of the doubt the first few times they appeared in Brighton, however they’ve used their platform to spread a message of hate and that we should not allow.
We want to bring the people of Brighton out onto the streets to let the MfE know exactly how welcome they are.
March for England factfile
http://stopmfe.wordp
ress.com
chris elmes
says...
3:21am Fri 20 Apr 12
mamboo
says...
7:06pm Fri 20 Apr 12
LawrenceG wrote:Eloquently put.
Perhaps a litttle bit of insight into what exactly this march is about may help some people rethink their support. The MfE is an organisation as well as an event and as an organisation they are very much part of the new fascism – the growing European 'counter-jihad' right. Although the annual march in Brighton is the main public event organised by the group, their banners can be found at many other EDL protests across the country. It's leadership are enthusiastic members and supporters of the EDL. MfE membership overlaps significantly with other groups including the Infidels, English Nationalist Alliance, Stop Islamification of Europe and Casuals United. Their focus is on a sense of English rather than British identity and opposition to Islam. Although MfE claim to simply be patriots – what they mean by 'English values' is in fact thinly veiled racism, often although not limited to anti-muslim statements. During their last outing in Brighton the MfE openly displayed English Defence League flags. This year there have been desperate pleas by organisers to make this a 'no colours' event, i.e. that EDL members should leave their flags at home. The truth is that the MfE come to Brighton because they feel that it is a site of 'anti-english' activity – they are against pretty much everything our city stands for. We stand in opposition to the March for England not because we are anti-free speech. We have no problem with anyone celebrating their national, regional or ethnic identity or criticizing organised religion. We are not calling on the police or local government to ban this march. However we believe that ideologies of hate flourish when they are ignored and want the people of Brighton to show that the hate speech of the English Defence League isn’t welcome here or anywhere. The MfE were given the benefit of the doubt the first few times they appeared in Brighton, however they’ve used their platform to spread a message of hate and that we should not allow. We want to bring the people of Brighton out onto the streets to let the MfE know exactly how welcome they are. March for England factfile http://stopmfe.wordp ress.com
stepford
says...
5:10pm Sat 21 Apr 12
stepford
says...
5:25pm Sat 21 Apr 12
chris elmes wrote:That's a rather unenlightened and untrue generalisation. I will be marching in opposition of these racists. I won't be trying to disrupt them or cause arguments. I will simply be there to say "this doesn't represent the majority or what Brighton stands for". I am not pro-Islam (I'm an anti-theist), I am Caucasian (white), born and raised in England to English parents, I am not a commie or socialist, not radically left and I have never been arrested or been in a physical fight in my life. I am just a normal person who doesn't think racism should be left unchallenged. If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem. It's not just UAF etc protesting this march. It is average, sensible, peace-loving people like me and my friends who have no affiliation to any anti-fascist group.
"YAWN" .....Fascists vs Anti-Fascists these nutjobs don't seem to understand that they are two sides of the same coin. Just a bunch of retarded cretins the lot of them!
john5001 says...
11:34am Wed 18 Apr 12