Hundreds of right wing British fascists are planning to attack an Irish parade in Liverpool on Saturday.
Using social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter, the groups with names like the North West Infidels, Right Wing Spring and Infidels of Britain, have been canvassing support in defiance of what they are branding an IRA march.
Circulating posters carrying images on Tim Parry and Jonathan Ball, both of whom were killed in an IRA bomb attack on Warrington in 1993, the groups said Liverpool council “wished to cause distress to the relative of the victims of these cowardly murders” and “were determined to allow the IRA to march through Liverpool. We are determined that they will not.”
One right wing poster accused Irish emigrant families of openly supporting Sinn Fein and the IRA and asked if they were expected to “stand by, smile and allow them to spread their hatred of Britain.”
In February, an Irish commemoration march organised by Cairde na hEireann was forced off its city centre route after protesters smashed buses used by participants who were spat at and verbally abused.
But organisers from the James Larkin Society in Liverpool, have told the Irish Post that they are determined not to be thwarted on Saturday, for what they say is a trade union rally.
A spokesman said:
“We are mindful of what happened in February when we got stopped by fascists and we decided to try and minimise publicity until closer the date of the march. But groups have been leading a concerted campaign on Facebook and Twitter against the march.
“We are marching mainly for Trade Union issues and have support from Unite and the TUC. The theme is fighting back against racism and fascism; we want to reclaim the streets from fascism. If we lose this, no other groups are safe (from undertaking such events).”
The James Larkin Society said they have been in contact with Merseyside Police who they say are keen for the rally to take place.
“They have learned lessons themselves. They ended up with egg on their face the last time, but they are determined it goes ahead.”
Asked if they were fearful the rally would be used by elements as a platform for violence, the spokesman said:
“Yes and no, you’d be fearful, but the event is well organised and stewarded. I feel confident it will go ahead and be a success.”
In a statement, Joe Anderson, the Mayor of Liverpool said: “My officers have looked into this at my instigation and I am satisfied that the march on the 21st July is being held under a broad social justice theme and has been organised by the James Larkin Society, supported by Merseyside Trade Union Congress. The Council will continue to liaise with the police from an operational perspective to ensure that the march is managed effectively and safely.”
