In recent months, the English Defence League have appeared on the streets of Britain. The group claim to be opposed to Islamic fundamentalism and, on the surface at least, try to sound like a reasonable and respectable response to the religious fanatics of Islam4UK and their kind.

Scratch beneath the surface though, and it soon becomes clear that the EDL is nothing more than a right-wing nationalist organisation intent on stirring up racial tensions and divisions in the UK. They state that they're only against "Muslim extremism" and deny being racist, hoping to deflect criticism and gain wider appeal. But their tactics clearly echo those of right-wing and fascist groups; using provocative rallies and marches, scapegoats (Muslims this time) and rhetoric based on fear and hatred.

"Like the BNP, the EDL will not solve working class problems"

While the EDL leadership tries hard to publicly distance itself from the fascist British National Party, it can't hide the fact that the group was co-founded by BNP members and activists. Nazi-saluting BNP thugs and right-wing football hooligans shouting racist abuse on EDL demos have shown their true colours. With chants of "dirty Muslim bastards" and "We hate Pakis more than you", EDL members are singing from the same hymn sheet as fascist bigots everywhere. Their right-wing mobs serve to further the aims of the "respectable" BNP and to provide it with new recruits and more votes. By stirring up trouble between Asians and whites in local communities the EDL have taken nationalist politics back to the street.

Like the BNP, the EDL have grown in the face of a political culture dominated by middle class values meeting middle class needs. The mainstream parties have never looked after working class interests, we've been abandoned by most of the "radical" left and traditional trade unions have largely lost the will to fight. It comes as no real surprise that a disempowered and pissed off chunk of the white working class, looking for a target for their anger and a voice that speaks for them, turn to the likes of the EDL.

And, like the BNP, the EDL will not solve working class problems. Its demands back up right-wing media hysteria and strengthen calls for ever more repressive government powers to 'deal' with militant Islam. We've seen how so-called anti-terrorist laws are used against us all, to keep us under control. For the authoritarian state, the EDL is a gift. They divert our attention away from targeting the real enemies of the working class – the bosses, bankers and politicians – and distract us from organising for ourselves, as a class, to fight for control of our lives and communities.

The EDL and the religious lunatics they claim to oppose have far more in common with each other than they do with the rest of us. They are all small-minded bigots with a hatred for the traditional working class values of freedom, fairness and equality. Their racial, religious and cultural 'identity' politics are in complete opposition to our idea of a world where we can all reach our full and unique potential, and we reject them totally.

This article is also available as a downloadable A5 leaflet for printing and distribution in your neighbourhood.

Recommended further reading:

Multiculturalism & identity politics – the reactionary consequences and how they can be challenged (IWCA)

The BNP make much of the housing crisis (it was the basis of the leaflet they attempted to distribute in Bedminster last week) but, as ever, look for scapegoats that fit their racist outlook rather than address the real issues. Bristol Antifa prefer to deal in facts. To this end, we've produced an information poster (PDF) that challenges common misconceptions about housing and immigration. All of the information was provided by an independent housing expert and can be easily verified. The poster also briefly examines the true nature of the housing crisis and offers up a genuine solution that would benefit all working class people. It would be great if you would download the poster, copy it and put it in convenient locations around your neighbourhoods.

Full text from the poster:

Do immigrants and asylum seekers get housed first?

Immigrants or asylum seekers from outside Europe are specifically excluded from any 'recourse to public funds' and this includes housing and benefits. Only asylum seekers who have been accepted as genuinely fleeing violence or torture may be given indefinite leave to remain in the UK. They can then work or apply for housing if they are eligible. The same rules apply to them as apply to anyone else. Don’t believe the racist lies of the BNP and tabloids.

Have asylum seekers got all the housing?

It’s important to look at the facts, not the hype. Across the country, asylum seekers granted indefinite leave occupy less than 2% of council and housing association properties. The main reasons for getting housed by the council are relationship breakdown and parental eviction, not immigration, and the biggest share of social housing goes to elderly people.

So why was my friend turned away by the council?

There simply isn't enough social housing to go around. Successive governments have left it to the private landlords to provide more houses but this just hasn't happened. As always, the system we are ruled by prioritises profit over the needs of real people, whatever our colour or race. If we want people to have access to decent housing, then more social housing has to be created.

Where have all the council houses gone?

The policy of 'right to buy' has led to the sale of millions of council houses. The houses are far cheaper than if bought in the open market, were often heavily discounted further to encourage people to buy them, and are a total bargain. However, councils are not allowed to build new houses with the money from the sales, and housing associations have built very few. This has meant that total social housing has reduced from 35% of housing stock in 1965 to about 21% today.

Why is renting so expensive?

Councils and housing associations charge what it costs to provide housing, about £250 a month for a flat. Private landlords, who as well as getting their mortgage paid are also making a profit, usually charge at least £500 a month. Modern built social housing is built to better standards than private housing. Private renting is basically a rip off! This is an insult to all of us simply trying to get by. Such greed is a genuine threat to our lives, unlike living with people of other races who are also just trying to get by.

Don’t be divided and ruled –

ZERO TOLERANCE OF FASCISTS ON THESE STREETS!