What a contrast we have seen in Luton this past holiday weekend. I know I am not the only one to think this way.
On Sunday we saw the ugly face of extreme nationalism. Some 200 people fighting their way through the streets.
On Monday we saw around 80,000 (according to the figures I heard this evening) enjoying Luton in all its diversity. Luton Carnival is always remarkable, and its even better when the sun shines!
Who are we to believe. 200 or 80,000??
There is another way to look at it.
I have chosen a picture without faces in it because what I am going to write now is shocking. If the marchers on Sunday had their way about 60% of the people in this picture would not be here. We should draw a red cross over each of their faces. Delete. They would say that 60% of the people in this picture are not worthy of being here. That they are not English. That they should go home. That is called ethnic cleansing in any other language. Some would like an even more radical solution.
They claim to love England. I love England too. I was brought up in the countryside, outside a beautiful village, a farmers son. I know old England. I love it. Yet I love Luton in all its diversity every bit as much. This is new England. Accept it, embrace it, engage with it. Its every bit as rich as old England.
The alternative is unthinkable to anyone who has the love of God in their hearts -- and a whole lot of people who don't!
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