HullRePublic are proud to present our first Guest Blog. We were contacted by Davey from Hull who wanted to draw attention to an issue presenting itself in Hull. On May the 5th Hull will go to the polls in the Local Elections; an opportunity for us all to shape the political landscape of our City. Below Davey expresses his concern about particular political groups targeting Hull:
Threat from the Right.
In Hull's local elections in 2002 there were three candidates who aligned themselves to parties of the far right*. This year, out of the 19 seats that are being contested, there are 17 candidates representing right-wing parties, seeking your vote across 15 wards**. This is clear evidence that extreme right-wing organisations are now 'targeting' Hull.
It is perhaps timely to remind you that as the local elections approach (Thursday 5th May), the far right preys on what they perceive to be the basic fears of local people. The fear of change, the fear of the unknown. They offer a 'solution', but a solution based on narrow mindedness and insular-ism. These are mindsets that do not assist the cultural and economic growth of our cities and communities, but restrict, stifle and strangle them.
Many years ago the far right contested a handful of seats in General Elections, as well as well making a stand (although normally losing their deposit) in by-elections. In 2001 things changed in the run up to General Election in Oldham.
For decades, the communities of Oldham worked to establish bonds and unity between the various social and ethnic groups. Although they had faced difficulties, many had been overcome. Sadly, much of this was undone in Spring 2001 when, Nick Griffin, Chairman of a right-wing organisation announced his intention to stand in the forthcoming General Elections. This led to a very public campaign based on prejudice, hate and division. The resulting riots and disturbances in the weeks leading up to the election (and following), were widely reported in the national press. At one point it was suggested (by the right) that barricades in the style of Belfast should be build to segregate the communities.There was, of course, no need for barricades. There was no need for a physical barrier against sections of the community, as the logical mind knew to be an imaginary and divisive threat.
Over recent years the far-right seem to have learnt the effectiveness of local campaigning. It is clear who the parties are and more importantly what they represent. This is mainly restricted immigration and repatriation, not forgetting the targeting of the gay community. Additionally, they aim to implement a restriction of services to those people 'not born in this Country' – I use that words loosely, as for many of these organisations there is a noticeable blurring between England and the UK. Furthermore, there seems to no answer to the question of whether this applies to people of UK parentage, but who happened to be born on foreign shores? Some claim to seek greater democracy and a return to Christian values...a fine sentiment when every Church of England Bishop has a seat in the House of Lords - and we know how often the Lords get elected! David Cameron has made 117 new, unelected Lords since his election, at the same time as he proposes to reduce the number of democratically elected MP's by 50, as a cost saving measure. Then there is the question of those Christian values in what is now our 'multi-cultural society.'
What has changed over the last few years?
Economically, of course, things have got harder for all of us, there's no denying that. This is one of the things that the far right prey on. They offer the electorate someone to blame, be it the immigrants, the LGBT or Jewish communities; then they offer us their solution. The return to 'basic British ideals', amongst them teaching our children the '3 R's'. A fine sentiment, but is that enough to equip the workforce of tomorrow in this technological age?
Economically, of course, things have got harder for all of us, there's no denying that. This is one of the things that the far right prey on. They offer the electorate someone to blame, be it the immigrants, the LGBT or Jewish communities; then they offer us their solution. The return to 'basic British ideals', amongst them teaching our children the '3 R's'. A fine sentiment, but is that enough to equip the workforce of tomorrow in this technological age?
Sadly, all this boils down to one thing, and it's something that I've avoided having to write about because of the bad taste it leaves in my mouth, that is HATE.
As a city, our time and energies should not be spent looking back to what used to be, or what might have been. They are best served looking forward to a united community. A community of inclusion, that works together to make a better place.
The communities of Oldham say they did not see the threat from the right coming until it was too late. As a result many years of work building the community was undone. Many more years were spent repairing that damage. In Hull we can see the threat coming, and the far-right are using our elections to seek power in our city. We as a city, and as communities have the opportunity to reject these parties, and make our voice heard. But this can only be done at the polling booth.
Now, more than ever before, your vote is truly valuable, and we urge to use your vote, but please, consider the options available in your ward. Whatever you decide, do vote – whichever way you see fit, for a candidate that wishes to create communities that are both united and rich...not just financially, but also culturally rich.
Hull has no place for extremists. There is no place here for racism. Our communities have no room for hate.
Thanks for reading.
Davey for HullRePublic
**Hull City Council Website: http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=221,585589&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Sources:
HullRePublic would like to thank Davey for his contribution and co-operation during the editorial process. We invite submissions for our Guest Blog series, if you have an issue you would like to draw attention to please Get in Touch. Share. Make the Change.
Thanks for reading.
Best
HullRePublic Team
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