Unity Demonstration in Portland, Dorset
With news of the imminent arrival of the controversial refugee barge in Portland, Stand Up to Racism Dorset has called a Unity Demonstration to counter division and hatred being stirred up by some in the area.
We welcome refugees to Dorset – like the Ukrainians who have recently found homes in our towns and villages. We want the government to give equal access to other refugees: we also want an end to the cruel and unnecessary policy of holding people on barges such as the Bibby Stockholm, due to be berthed in Portland Harbour.
The government’s refugee policy is a shambles. People fleeing war, repression and crisis are denied safe routes to enter the UK and those who undertake risky journeys by sea are declared “illegal” – even if they have no alternative in seeking safety and security. This policy – criminalising and scapegoating refugees to cover up for the government’s own failures – must come to an end.
Lynne Hubbard, Co-Chair of Stand Up To Racism Dorset says: “Bibby Stockholm is little more than a prison vessel. It’s not equipped to accommodate the 500 refugees who’ll be crammed into its cabins. And we know it will have only basic health services on board.
“Everyone in Portland, including refugees, needs adequate health care. We want full support for Portland Community Hospital, which has been run down for years. People in Portland and Weymouth already face rotten wages, high costs and poor services. The Hospital is close to the Port – why not restore its emergency services so that our communities and all others who come to Portland have proper health care?
“And let’s have no more of racist attacks on refugees. Encouraged by hostile statements from government, some people are trying to lead local opposition to the barge towards hostility towards all refugees. Neo-Nazi groups have also appeared recently in Weymouth: we don’t want these divisive and dangerous people in Dorset.
“Many local people have signed up to a Refugee Solidarity Group to welcome any refugees who arrive. That’s the kind of community we want to show we are. Join us on our Unity Demonstration on July 8.”
*Stand Up To Racism is holding a family friendly Unity Demonstration on Saturday 8 July, assembling at 11am outside Portland Port, Castletown, and marching to Portland Hospital. The demonstration will hear speakers from local churches, trade unions and community groups, saying: No prison barge; Refugees welcome; Save Portland Hospital; Don’t let racists divide us.
What are Neo Nazis?
Neo-Nazis are individuals or groups who adhere to the ideology of neo-Nazism, which is a modern-day revival or continuation of the beliefs and practices associated with Nazism, the ideology of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. Neo-Nazis espouse white supremacist, racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic views.
The term “neo-Nazi” combines the prefix “neo-” (meaning “new” or “revived”) with “Nazi,” referring to the original Nazi movement. Neo-Nazis often draw inspiration from Nazi symbols, propaganda, and rhetoric. They promote the idea of a racially homogeneous society, viewing non-white races, particularly Jewish people, as enemies. They typically advocate for the superiority of the white race and seek to establish authoritarian or fascist systems of government.
Neo-Nazis can be found in various countries around the world, although their numbers and influence vary. Some neo-Nazi groups engage in political activities, such as organising protests, spreading propaganda, and attempting to recruit new members. Others may resort to violence, engaging in hate crimes or acts of terrorism.
It is important to note that neo-Nazis represent a small minority and are widely condemned by mainstream society, governments, and human rights organisations. Their beliefs and actions are rooted in hatred and discrimination, and they pose a threat to social harmony and individual rights.
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