One small victory for Stroud

Tonight, Helena and I went to a Say No To The BNP meeting organised to fight the plans of the BNP (British National Party) who are trying to open their national media office on a local industrial estate. But this morning the local newspaper had announced BNP scraps plans for media office in Stroud following opposition.

So though we apparently already have a victory, it was generally agreed that the BNP won't be going away. There was consensus amongst representatives of the Socialist party, Labour party, Women's groups, Greens, Gays and Lesbians, and even our newly elected Conservative MP, who had sent a message of support.

People spoke from the floor with anger, fear and concern but also with agreement about the need to act in the face of this potential rise of a fascist group right here, in and around our community. Action was called for.

We are all waiting for the imminent Government cuts to budgets nationally. Speakers said we must fight the Cuts as they will fuel discontent, social hardship and isolation. The lessons of experience suggest the BNP will try to profit from these difficult times.

What can we all do?

I could probably start by taking a better picture, in focus. My head feels a bit burred about it all too.