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Today after a lovely day watching the Olympics, I was informed via Twitter, by David Forman, Harlow TUC representative (@harlowTUC), that the English Defence League was organising an event in Essex. He asked me for my response.
Well, let me first of all thank David for the information, and for his immediate action in opposing the EDL. I have huge political differences with him - and he spends much of his time campaigning against me. But, on this issue, I hope - and think - we can be absolutely united. I abhor the EDL and any organisation which directly or indirectly encourages the politics of hatred. In fact, at the top of my blog, is an introductory statement stating the very same.
Just as I condemn - and have done many times - extreme Islamists (such as those who burnt Poppies during Remembrance Sunday), so I decry the EDL.
Ironically, both have exactly the same effect: they promote division, they present a minority view, as if it was the majority - and they represent no-one but themselves. I have seen the EDL interviewed on the BBC and have real distaste for their views. When you see the organisation in action - the aggravation and violence that inevitably follows, that distaste turns into disgust and a realisation that if decent people do not stand up to the EDL, then the cohesion of our nation will suffer enormously. We can't allow the politics of fear to flourish.
Fortunately, in recent times, the BNP appears to be disintegrating - losing out electorally and suffering from internecine warfare. The EDL acts as a vacuum - hoovering up disaffected BNP activists. BNP or EDL, the activities are similar - aggression.
My opposition to the EDL does not mean I don't think we should get to grips with immigration issues facing our country.
Far from it. We need a system that is firm but fair - welcoming those who suffer from genuine political persecution, but not having an unrestricted open door policy for economic migrants. Why? Because our small country does not have the room, the housing, the infrastructure or the jobs for millions of extra people. This does not mean putting up the drawbridge, but having a quota for economic migrants, toughening up our Border Police and having a no tolerance policy towards extremists. Mainstream politiicians can't sweep real concerns about the level of immigration under the carpet - that will allow organisations like the EDL/BNP to flourish.
My Father's side of my family are immigrants to Britain (I was born here). My Grandfather was an Italian Libyan Jew who had to leave Libya because of Gadaffi. He always wanted to come to England because he saw our country as the most peaceful place on earth.
I want Britain to be at peace with itself. That is why I welcome the decision of our local TUC to go to Chelmsford on 18 August, not just to oppose the EDL, but to stand up for real British values of fairness, tolerance and decency. The EDL should be told, there is nothing truly English about them and nothing to defend.
P.S. If you want to read more about the EDL, see HERE.
by Robert Halfon MP - Working Hard for Harlow.
