A new racist political group is organising on the streets. They call themselves the English Defence League (EDL), but who are they and what do they represent?
The movement around the EDL appears to be escalating. The central question is, what kind of organisation are they?
The foot soldiers are clearly drawn from a number of football hooligan “firms”, including Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers, Luton, Aston Villa, Bristol Rovers, Wolves and Preston North End.
The media like to portray these hooligans as working class “yobs”. No survey has been conducted on the class base of the EDL, but what little we know about them suggests that many come from “petty bourgeois” professions – the classic base of fascism.
The leadership of the EDL clearly comes from the “petty bourgeois”, but as they grow they are attracting more working class support.
The rise of the EDL is as rapid as it is shocking – but it is explainable.Socialist Worker Public Meeting:
Speakers:
Martin Smith
Author of “Why British jobs for British workers will not solve the crisis”, “John Coltrane: Jazz, racism and resistance”.
Assed Baig
Birmingham UAF and President of Stafford University.
Date and Time: 7pm, Thursday 29th April
Venue: Bertha Wright Room
Carrs Lane Church, Carrs Lane, Birmingham
(Opposite Moor Street Station)
