PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS "BIRMINGHAM UNITED"

21-08-2009

Community activists are gathering at Birmingham Council House on Sunday afternoon to discuss a response to the next proposed demo against anti-Muslim "extremism" - and The Stirrer's Birmingham United campaign will be high on the agenda.

Local JP Waseem Zaffar is one of the organisers of the event, which is aimed at preventing a repeat of the violent scenes on August 8 when anti-fascist protestors clashed with the English and Welsh Defence League.

Waseem said, "We feel that there has been a lack of engagement with young people from across the city. This public meeting aims to bring together young people, community activists and those that have real influence among young people.

"We need to discuss, debate and encourage a peaceful form of activity against any fascist elements".

Earlier this week, the Council-sponsored Muslim Issues Steering Group had called on on youngsters to stay out of the city centre when the EDL gather again - either on August 30 or September 5.

An alternative response has been proposed on this website, with the creation of a Birmingham United campaign aimed at offering a focus for an avowedly peaceful reaction to the far right, with a celebratory event designed to emphasise the solidarity or our diverse communities.

Waseem emphasises that Sunday's event, which will attempt to thrash out a coherent strategy, will cross the political spectrum. Labour MP Khalid Mahmood and Respect Party leader Salma Yaqoob having promised to attend. West Midlands Police will also be offering their perspective, and Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is optimistic about making an appearance.

"I think it is imperative that we engage young people in the decision making process and encourage positive activities rather than events that took place a couple of weeks ago, that reflected badly on community relations within our great city" said Waseem.

The meeting is at 2.30 pm on Sunday at Birmingham Council House

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