Alf Filer sent me this. It contains some ideas about broadening and making more transparent the democratic functioning of Unite Against Fascism.
Following the defeat of the BNP electorally in Barking, Stoke and in many other areas across Britain at the General Election, we note that the vote for the far right has now reached half a million. In many areas they received 7% of the vote, (approx), with the NF also emerging as a challenge to the BNP.
The EDL continues to organise provocative demos and acting in a more aggressive and threatening manner, in spite of their set backs in Tower Hamlets and failure to appear in Wembley last month.
Islamophobia, homophobia and racism remains a serious issue and the deepening of the economic crises is seeing scapegoating on the increase. Immigration controls, deportations and further attacks on the rights of asylum seekers is being encouraged by the media and politicians alike.
The successes of the anti-fascist and anti-racist movement in many areas is something we can all be proud of, with the work carried out by the UAF, Hope Not Hate, Love Music Hate Racism and many local based committees .
The challenges we face over the next period, both here and internationally require a sustained response. Now is the time to convene the AGM of the UAF to bring together all the anti-fascist movements that have emerged and learn from these experiences.
A resolution was passed by Brent Trades Council, the Jewish Socialist Group, Cambridge Teachers Association, Southwark Respect and others last year and presented to the UAF. It was indicated that this would be discussed and agreed in principle by the organisers of the UAF. We understand that due to all the activity taking place, such an AGM would be convened in the near future.
We feel that now is the time to arrange such an AGM and bring together the widest possible forces to democratically discuss, plan and agree the next stages of the campaign. It was further included in the resolution a need for an international anti-fascist conference. Given the developments on the rise of the far right in Europe, the bans on mosques, minarets and the wearing of the veil, it is even more urgent.
We look forward to your response.
In solidarity
Alf Filer
This resolution for the Unite Against Fascism national conference offers proposals for discussion by the anti-fascist movement as a whole.
‘We note that the rise of various fascist and racist groups in the UK over the past few years has become an increasingly growing concern, especially given the electoral wins of the BNP in the Euro and council elections.
The increase in racist, Islamophobic and homophobic attacks, along with the attempts by groups such as the EDL, SIOE and others to demonstrate on the streets has raised new challenges to the anti-fascist movement.
The impact of the worsening economic crises, rising unemployment and cuts in public services has provided a breeding ground for the racists and fascists to use scapegoats to blame the crises on. We put the blame squarely on those who pursue profits at the expense of working people.
We further note that over the past year, thousands of anti-fascists have been mobilised across the country to successfully oppose the BNP and their allies. The support of the organised labour movement, trade union branches, student organisations, women’s organisations, faith based organisations, ethnic based groups, gay groups and many others have come together to say, “they shall not pass”. We remember Cable Street and Lewisham, where the fascists were sent packing. There is no place for these Nazis.
The UAF has played a key role in providing support, resources and leadership in the various anti-fascist campaigns. In ensuring that the BNP and others are defeated in the General Election and challenged effectively where ever they raise their message of hatred, we call on the UAF to:
a. To continue to mobilise mass action on the streets and elsewhere in denying the fascists and racists any opportunity to spread their message of hatred and division.
b. b Organise a representative delegate based conference open to all who are actively supporting the struggle against fascism and racism.
c. Adopt a democratic national and regional structure which is made up of elected delegates and representatives from the whole of the movement.
d. Encourage UAF groups to be established within unions, workplaces, campuses and community groups.
e. To arrange regional and national conferences with workshops to discuss wider issues related to the fight against fascism and racism.
f. To jointly sponsor an international conference uniting the wider international struggles against fascism both in the UK and elsewhere.
Liam redux 
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