In the media, through the Trade Union Movement and directly to the justice4bolton campaign itself, the people of Bolton are publicly reclaiming their town’s tradition of anti-racism and anti-fascism.

“It is up to all of us to educate the Muslim and Non-Muslim communities about the EDL and what they really stand for.” So said Sal, one of the 70 strong Bolton meeting of justice4bolton earlier this month.

Read the full report of that meeting here

One part of this anti-racist struggle is being played out in the local media.   Calling for a public inquiry into the policing on 20th March, local man Phil makes the point in The Bolton News:

“there is abundant independent video evidence from that day that showed the police pen in and assault peaceful demonstrators with no violence response, despite constant provocation.  There are many witnesses to events;  I would gladly provide my own account.  I have no history of protesting, I am a local resident who, like many around me, was indiscriminately punched by the police.”

The attempt to turn protestors  into criminals goes to the heart of the matter.  In their message to justice4bolton today, the secretary of Bolton Trades Council (Bolton TUC) Martin Challender says:

“As a representative trade union body we fully support the campaign against racism and fascism.  Bolton has a proud history of tolerance and unity that goes back over generations. We are concerned at the use of much discredited conspiracy laws against anti-fascist protestors.  We support the justice4bolton campaign.”