While ministers from all over Europe meet behind closed doors to discuss immigration controls alongside drug trafficking and terrorism in preparation for 'Fortress Europe', fascist activity and racist attacks are increasing.
In Nottingham, where both the British National Party (BNP) and the National Front (NF) are present, local communities are organising to drive them out.
Incidents of racist violence have been reported in a number of inner city areas, particularly Forest Fields, which has a large black community. In April, the Madni Masjid mosque was attacked while worshippers were break-ins, theft and damage.
Young black people in the area have been subjected to racist abuse and assaulted. A young Asian man was stabbed by a gang of white youths. BNP attempts to leaflet the area shortly after were quickly halted.
A meeting called by local people from Forest Fields in response attracted over 200 people, who established the Forest Fields Anti-Racist Action Group (FFARAG). The group unites the Mosque Defence Conmittee, black community groups, local residents associations and socialists. A demonstration organised by the group attracted over 500 people. to the racist attacks has been a predictable lack of interest - if not worse. Some black shopkeepers who had property damaged were arrested atter complaining. Meanwhile, the Chief Constable has refused to meet Muslim leaders - but has now conceded a meeting 'some time before Christmas'!
The Mosque Defence Committee have called for the suspension of the Chief Constable in response. While individual councillors have been supportive, the Labour City and County Councils have yetto take any action. Now moves are afoot to organise a city-wide antiracist group. journalists' union NUJ are being balloted on the unions' response.
Both are calling for rejection of the proposals. If NUJ members vote 'no', a further ballot will be held on 'selective industrial action'. BECTU members are being urged to vote 'yes' to four proposals - to reject Pay in the 1990s', to take limited industrial action. action including strikes, and to support victimised colleagues.
Atthe BBC at Caversham, the picture is stormier. Management gave an employee one month's resettlement' -a month's notice - because she had serious Repetitive Strain Injury. The victimised employee has been temporarily transferred, but feelings are still running high.
Though BBC monitoring staff were praised by management during the Gulf war, when links with the US and British governments were particularly evident, it is now clear that staff are expendable.
Industrial action - general or localisedseems inevitable in the next few months. Contact: 10b Windsor Road, London N7. Tel: 071 263 8289. Lobby the Labour National Executive against the witch hunt 150 Walworth Road, London SE17, 9am. Contact: " above. October 5 Demonstration for the Tottenham Three!' - Assemble 12am Civic Centre, Wood Green, London N22. Rally at Finsbury Park 2pm. Óctober 5 Conference on Domestic Violence - Wesley House, 4 Wild Court, London WC1, 1-5pm. Organised by Women for Socialism. Speakers include: Southall Black Sisters, Free Sara Thornton Campaign. Contact: Kate Reynolds on 071 272 7030. October 19 Demonstration 'Free all Poll Tax prisoners!
Assemble 1pm Caledonian Park, near Pentonville Jail. Nearest tube: Caledonian Road. Rally -Trafalgar Square 4pm 23 November Conference in the for our - Wesley House, 4 Wild Court, London WCI, 10am5pm. Organised by Women for Socialism and Socialist