ANL News Archive

2002

2 February 2002 Sunderland

Great support for ANL in Sunderland

Despite their double humiliation in the same city last year, the Nazi National Front called a rally for Saturday 2nd February on the edge of one of Sunderland's most racially diverse areas.  As soon as the Anti-Nazi League became aware of the plans, a counter-demonstration was announced for the same day.  Braving heavy rain and blustery winds, a throng of ANL protestors turned out in Sunderland city centre for two hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Supporters helped organise the information stall and well over 500 leaflets and stickers were distributed.  In the light of a very positive response from the people of Wearside, hard cash was donated, merchandise was sold, information was dispensed and dozens signed the petitions to keep the North East Nazi-free.

By Friday it was announced that, thanks entirely to the pressure from Anti-Nazi protestors, the cowardly National Front had pulled out of their demonstration.  Despite the u-turn, the ANL mobilised for and held a well-received stall instead!

16 January 2002 Burnley

Burnley BNP candidate jailed for fraud!

Steve Smith, the BNP organiser for Burnley was sentenced to six months in prison on Wednesday 16 January 2002.

Smith was the BNP candidate for Burnley at the General Election in June 2001 when he polled 4,151 votes, at 11% the BNP's second highest result in the election.

He admitted to allowing nomination documents containing forged signatures to be put forward in this year's Lancashire County Council elections.

Smith, 41, of West View, Cliviger pleaded guilty to six charges. He is believed to be the first person in this country to be prosecuted under the updated Representation of the People Act which came into force in February 2001.

A total of 12 forged signatures were discovered. He claimed "I was sure these people would support me ... All the people concerned were noted in our reports as sympathisers or supporters". The forged names included that of Burnley Labour Party member, Eileen Rawlinson!

Then Smith claimed he sometimes filled in the forms on the basis of "intuition". "If it is for the betterment of society, then breaking the rules is justified". So much for the party of law and order!  Smith was sentenced to six months to run concurrently on all six charges with a recommendation that he serve a minimum of three months in prison.

He was led handcuffed from the court and past the jubilant Anti Nazi League picket outside the court. He will be spending the run up to the May elections, when he hoped to win a council seat in Burnley, in his new home in Preston jail!

12 January 2002 Bromley

Nazis fail to divide us!

Local people rallied and protested against the Nazi National Front's pathetic and unconvincing attempt to stir up race hatred in Bromley today.

Around 100 Anti-Nazis assembled at Bromley South rail station in response to threats from the Nazis.

The National Front could only muster a miserable 25 of their members to march.  Amongst the Nazi thugs were Terry Blackham, organiser of the march and NF leader, and Stuart Hollingdale who has a conviction for the desecration of Stephen Lawrence's memorial.

Even though Blackham lives in the area he did not muster any local support.

The NF were protected by police who allowed them to march around the outskirts of Bromley centre. The Nazis were kept away from the main pedestrian shopping area by Anti-Nazis.

To the horror of local people the Nazis were then allowed to have a rally outside the the H.G. Wells building - the local Labour Party offices.

All along the route the NF were continually met by local anger.

Anti-Nazi protesters were joined by the local Trades Council, members of CND, the Green Party and the local Labour Party.  There was a real mixture of young and old people and students from the local college.

Bromley is a busy shopping area and people were warned by the police to keep away that day. People still came out in defiance of the NF's threats.

The NF were only able to hold their march because of a massive police operation.  It's disgraceful that the Metropolitan Police gave permission for the Nazi march to take place at all.

Bromley is a multicultural and multiracial area. The Nazis attempt to divide people failed.  The message from local people is clear, Bromley will be kept Nazi free!