I have just watched the riots in Birmingham unfold - on Twitter. As ever I am disheartened. We saw the same old story that we have had in Luton, as there has been before in Birmingham, as we have seen elsewhere, and as we will likely see in Harrow on Friday next week. Protests by Islamic extremists against the war in Iraq (and alleged extreme actions of British soldiers there), provoke protests by the EDL (English Defence League) against Islamic extremists, provoke protests against the EDL by the UAF (Unite Against Fascism) and Muslim young men. And the police are in there, doing there best to keep the sides apart, prevent the escalation of the provocations, doing a very difficult job in ever changing situations, occasionally getting it wrong in the heat of the moment, and very occasionally with officers demonstrating their own vulnerability to provocation.
Last week in Luton
we did not even need the EDL actually there; just the thought that they might be there following months of provocation was enough to spook some of the lads in the Muslim community and prompt them to riot. I posted on that: Luton: Riot police break up mob, and Luton troubles - the action and some first thoughts and made a plea for all sides to talk here : Luton. Lets take time out to talk. PLEASE.The Local authority have recently put out this statement: Disorder in Bury park.
This afternoons riots in Birmingham followed the same pattern. The BBC has an article with a short bit of footage ( Rival Protestors Clash on Streets), the Independent has a short piece (Right-wing demo ends in violence) and the Mail ( Anti-fascists clash with right-wing protesters in Birmingham), with lots of graphic pictures as usual and some video footage. Clashes in Birmingham after march in Asian Image offers the view of that community. The Stirrer's chat pages has 17pages of discussion around the development of this event: Birmingham United Anyone takes it up at page 14! BIRMINGHAM PROTEST UPDATE - 8.00PM reflects the police account. There are accounts reflecting views of either side out there in the blogosphere.
The EDL blame the UAF; the UAF blame the EDL; both blame the police to one degree or another. Both claim to be peaceful, say they will not tolerate violence, but in the end they refuse to take responsibility for their impact on the atmosphere, stirring the atmosphere definitely and maybe, just maybe not doing anything to stop it and dare I say it possibly even encouraging action. Its going nowhere, and its going nowhere fast.
Both claim the right to demonstrate, to speak out their views freely and peacefully, and that they are not racist. Birmingham police argued that for them, just like the Luton police did on May 24th. That changed on the evidence of 24th. Will the authorities in Birmigham be such advocates of free speech again?
The September issue of Searchlight has pieces by several of its key contributors which looks at these issues as well as making the case that there are strong links between the new EDL and the BNP: Hooligans Unmasked. In one section Tom Woodson looking at EDL in Luton states:
EDL makes three claims very publicly: firstly, that they are very distinct from the BNP; secondly, they do not advocate violence; and thirdly that they are opposed to racism. There is clear evidence to show that these declarations do not stand up to examination.
It seems to me that the track record of the EDL or their Luton predecessor the UPL rather makes the case in favour of violence and racism, and that Woodson's case for overlap with the BNP is made. Of course it may well be possible for some in the EDL to argue that they are not violent, racist nort BNP. In which case let them show it, and let them make it very clear, and let them seek to influence those who let the side down. I am open minded and the case is still open, but the evidence is not compelling for them.
It is time that all sides started looking seriously at their own actions before they point the finger at the other. And in that I am not taking sides. And on the basis that there is at least a tendency to violence by some of the supporters of each, then lets seek to deal with that. Its not the whole answer but at least it will stop this thing escalating quite so quickly.
Meanwhile we await next Friday in Harrow where it seems many will be protesting: Numbers swelling for 9/11 Harrow Mosque protest
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