There will be a Stand Up to Racism Bloc on the May Day march in Leeds on Saturday, April 29 at 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Victoria Gardens (outside the art gallery).

There will be a Stand Up to Racism Bloc on the May Day march in Leeds on Saturday, April 29 at 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Victoria Gardens (outside the art gallery).

The snap election called by Theresa May for 8th June raises the serious prospect of a further rise in racism. Hate crimes soared by 41% following last year’s EU Referendum, and much of the same toxic scapegoating which fuelled this rise now threatens to dominate the General Election.

Since the financial crisis, migrants and refugees have repeatedly been blamed for the effects of economic stagnation and austerity. In fact, migrants play an indispensable role in society and the economy, staffing crucial public services and contributing through the tax system.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s Muslim Ban and a shocking rise in anti-Muslim hate crime fuelled by the far-right and sections of the press, Islamophobia must also be challenged at every point in this campaign .

There is no place for racism and scapegoating in our political discourse. We call on all political leaders, media outlets, candidates and campaigns to refrain from the scapegoating of migrants and refugees and take responsibility for halting the rise of racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.

Please sign and share the petition below

https://www.change.org/p/keep-racism-out-of-the-general-election

Next organising meeting for Leeds SUTR is on Tuesday 2nd May at 6.30pm Unison offices, 160A Woodhouse Lane (opposite the Fenton Pub) – all welcome

Follow Leeds Stand Up to Racism

https://standuptoracism.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Leeds-Stand-Up-To-Racism-395987980592350/

Twitter @SUTRLeeds