Remember the Anti-Nazi League and Rock Against Racism. The movement was not so divided then as opposed to now. Searchlight, Hope Not Hate, UAF and other anti-fascist initiatives should be pulling together within a unified anti-fascist movement. Instead, separate organizations with little substantial differences present themselves separately to the movement.

The hatchet needs to be buried and what ever the reasons for this unnecessary division, a new call must be put out to bring together closer co-ordination of all the anti-fascist movements. The forthcoming UAF conference should be issuing a clarion call for all those in the labour movement to be represented at all levels in the organization. Mass mobilizations against fascism and racism will not just appear as a result of headline announcements in the Left press. Participation of all anti-fascist activists at every level in the work of the UAF is the only way forward.

The debates on race and class, implementing of No Platform, women and anti-fascism, Black self defence and self organisation, the international struggles against fascism, culture and racism, trade unions and their role and many other subjects should be the basis of workshops around which activists can share experiences and discuss alternative strategies.

The role of autonomous movements , the relationship with the pluralistic Left, the building of local on- going resistance within communities and the challenges presented by the forthcoming General Election are issues that do not go away because others do not want to discuss them. However these discussions are key to building the anti-fascist movement.

Activists involved in the Right To Work, Campaign against Climate Change, Stop the War and many others, should be directly represented on the UAF committees at local, regional and national level to strengthen the links.

Instead of just reacting to EDL initiatives, the UAF should be setting the agenda and in a stronger manner be able to reverse the BNP gains. By deepening the roots of the anti fascist movement within the labour movement and its allies in the wider communities we can counter more effectively the evil that is raising its head. Support the resolution being proposed for the UAF conference, which is now supported by Brent Trades Council, Cambridge N.U.T. and is gaining support in time for Feb 13^th.

Model Resolution

‘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, Islamaphobic 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 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.