A right-wing group has threatened £500,000 action against councils in Shropshire if they hold any festive events that do not contain the word Christmas in the title.
The English Defence League has written to all major councils in the country – including Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – warning them not to “lose the meaning of Christmas”.
The group is threatening repeat demonstrations in towns and villages it believes to be ignoring its advice. Events that may be deemed to breach the EDL threat include Christmas lights switch-ons, pantomimes and nativity plays.
In the letter, sent from the party head office and seen by the Shropshire Star, the EDL says: “As I’m sure you are aware Christmas is a long-established tradition in British history and indeed other cultures and religions and dates back as far as 400AD.
“Please keep Christmas as Christmas and not let our culture and traditions be eroded and preserve English values.
“Any council that does not keep the word Christmas in the annual celebrations and opts for Winter Festival, out of the politically correct appeasement of others to the detriment of our traditions, will have their town visited by the English Defence League throughout the following year.
“The average cost to the council is £500,000 when the English Defence League demonstrates at any given location and it is hoped this will be avoided by your council keeping the word Christmas alive. Do not lose the meaning of Christmas by changing it to Winter Festival.”
Telford & Wrekin Council confirmed it had received the letter, and had passed it onto the police.
A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman said: “This is a generalised letter to all local authorities and there is no specific reference to Telford & Wrekin. As a matter of routine procedure, we have passed the letter to West Mercia Police for information. We are happy that Christmas celebrations will proceed in the borough as normal.”
Shropshire Council said it would not be advising county events to alter their titles. A Shropshire Council spokesman said: “Any events held by the council are named whatever is deemed most appropriate and suitable by the organisers.”
Shropshire Star
Showing posts with label racist violence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label racist violence. Show all posts
November 04, 2010
February 10, 2010
Five in court over EDL gathering
Five men have appeared in court following disturbances during a rally staged by the English Defence League
About 1,300 people attended the EDL action in Hanley on January 23. The group said it was staging the demonstration to protest against Muslim extremism.
A group of about 400 counter-protesters, rallied by anti-racism organisations, trade unions and Staffordshire University, held its own demonstration in the city centre at the same time. There were 600 police officers on duty, and 17 demonstrators were arrested as violence flared. Six officers were injured, vans and cars damaged and taxi services were suspended.
Yesterday, Wayne Baldwin, aged 41, of the Crescent, Hockley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at Hanley Forest Park. Ruth Belfield, prosecuting at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court, said the defendant was in a group of about 100 who broke away from a 300-strong group being policed at the park.
She said: "He was seen to gesture toward police officers and shouted abusive language. He says he regularly attends EDL meetings and generally remains peaceful."
The defendant was fined £180 with £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge by Deputy District Judge Elizabeth Harte. Baldwin told the court: "I am sorry for what some of the idiots did in Stoke-on-Trent and I want to apologise for what I said and apologise to the officer."
Anthony Cook, aged 22, of Shelley Road, Reddish, Stockport, pleaded guilty to a charge of displaying some writing, sign or other visible representation which was racially aggravated. The court heard that he was not a member of the EDL and had travelled down to Stoke-on-Trent with friends. Mrs Belfield said the defendant had been seen by a police officer writing a word in condensation on a bus window which was visible to the public. He was fined £100 with £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
A not guilty plea was entered by Michael Gawthorpe, aged 18, of Crofters Way, Chester, who is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent. He was unconditionally bailed until March 15 when a trial will be fixed.
Christopher Harley, aged 24, of Bower Street, Reddish, Stockport, denied a charge of displaying some writing, sign or other visible representation which was racially aggravated. He was conditionally bailed until March 15 to fix a trial.
The Deputy District Judge declined to use her powers to deal with Mark Doel, aged 43, of Primrose Hill, Batley. Doel is charged with offences of violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. His case was adjourned until April 6 for committal to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and he was conditionally bailed.
The Sentinel
About 1,300 people attended the EDL action in Hanley on January 23. The group said it was staging the demonstration to protest against Muslim extremism.
A group of about 400 counter-protesters, rallied by anti-racism organisations, trade unions and Staffordshire University, held its own demonstration in the city centre at the same time. There were 600 police officers on duty, and 17 demonstrators were arrested as violence flared. Six officers were injured, vans and cars damaged and taxi services were suspended.
Yesterday, Wayne Baldwin, aged 41, of the Crescent, Hockley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at Hanley Forest Park. Ruth Belfield, prosecuting at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court, said the defendant was in a group of about 100 who broke away from a 300-strong group being policed at the park.
She said: "He was seen to gesture toward police officers and shouted abusive language. He says he regularly attends EDL meetings and generally remains peaceful."
The defendant was fined £180 with £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge by Deputy District Judge Elizabeth Harte. Baldwin told the court: "I am sorry for what some of the idiots did in Stoke-on-Trent and I want to apologise for what I said and apologise to the officer."
Anthony Cook, aged 22, of Shelley Road, Reddish, Stockport, pleaded guilty to a charge of displaying some writing, sign or other visible representation which was racially aggravated. The court heard that he was not a member of the EDL and had travelled down to Stoke-on-Trent with friends. Mrs Belfield said the defendant had been seen by a police officer writing a word in condensation on a bus window which was visible to the public. He was fined £100 with £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
A not guilty plea was entered by Michael Gawthorpe, aged 18, of Crofters Way, Chester, who is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent. He was unconditionally bailed until March 15 when a trial will be fixed.
Christopher Harley, aged 24, of Bower Street, Reddish, Stockport, denied a charge of displaying some writing, sign or other visible representation which was racially aggravated. He was conditionally bailed until March 15 to fix a trial.
The Deputy District Judge declined to use her powers to deal with Mark Doel, aged 43, of Primrose Hill, Batley. Doel is charged with offences of violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. His case was adjourned until April 6 for committal to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and he was conditionally bailed.
The Sentinel
January 20, 2010
Anti-extremist protesters jailed for Luton rampage
Richard Myers and Tony Griffiths were both jailed at Luton Magistrates CourtJames Butley, 18, of West Sussex, Tony Griffiths, 27 and Simon Hattle, 21, from Luton were jailed for 16 weeks at Luton Magistrates Court. Richard Myers, 21, from Luton was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison.
The "March for England" through Luton town centre last year saw up to 400 people take part in a peaceful protest, police said. But a group broke away and smashed windows at an Asian-owned fast food shop and an Asian man was attacked. Police officers were goaded by a mob who hurled placards at them, the court heard.
CCTV footage was played in the court which showed a small group running across a dual carriageway where they attacked a car containing three Asian men.
District Judge Carolyn Melanby said: "People who behave in this way will lose their liberty."
Three other defendants who were due to be sentenced had their case adjourned because reports were not ready.
BBC
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