Counter-protest puts fascists in the shade

Parading in bright sunshine from the Welsh Assembly to City Hall, the march, organised by Unite Against Fascism and representing all sections of Cardiff's multiracial community, was met with cheers and waving by bystanders.

In contrast, the WDL attracted barely three figures to its hatefest, despite minibuses bringing supporters from as far away as Newbury and other English towns.

Hundreds of Cardiff taxi drivers, many of whom are of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin, went on strike for the day in protest at the racist incursion.

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Leanne Wood pledged solidarity with "our Muslim brothers and sisters," adding: "We want to see a Wales in which everyone can live together in peace and harmony."

Local Labour MP Alun Michael recalled the efforts made by people in Wales to isolate the apartheid regime and to demonstrate solidarity with the people of South Africa.

"Today we march through Cardiff to celebrate the roots of all of its citizens," he told the marchers outside City Hall.

Amarjit Singh of the Communication Workers Union expressed pride that CWU members had demonstrated outside the BBC offices in protest at BNP leader Nick Griffin being given airtime. Many members had also refused to deliver BNP fascist literature.

"I have lived in Cardiff for 40 years. People of all backgrounds have always lived in peace and we're not having those scumbags splitting us up," Mr Singh said.

Belinda Robertson of Unite union said that "rhetoric only takes us so far," reminding the audience that next year's national assembly elections provided an opportunity to bring more people together and to celebrate diversity.

Wales Show Racism the Red Card chairman Sanjiv Vedi said that it was a lie to suggest that the WDL/EDL were concerned about Islamist extremism.

"They are prepared to scapegoat anyone who looks different. They spread intolerance, hatred of foreigners and the supremacy of one culture over another," he said.

And he urged politicians and the media not to play the extremists' game by echoing their false claims.

Counter-protests were also held in Swansea on Saturday, where the UAF activists and local trade unionists heavily outnumbered the WDL supporters.