PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bannon to be met with Protests at Edinburgh broadcasters’ conference this afternoon
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Protest to take place Wednesday 14 November 14.30-15.30pm, EICC Edinburgh EH3 8EE – details here
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National Demonstration in London this Saturday 17 Nov – details here
Anti-racists have reacted with incredulity at the invitation of alt-right figurehead and former Trump Chief Strategist Steve Bannon to speak at a public broadcasters’ conference in Edinburgh this afternoon. First minister Nicola Sturgeon pulled out of the event in October due to Bannon’s inclusion, stating she would “not be part of any process that risks legitimising or normalising far-right, racist views.”
The BBC, a member of the European Broadcasting Union which organises the event, has defended the invitation of Bannon, with BBC Scotland Director Donalda Mackinnon claiming it is “about holding them to account, interrogating, scrutinising and explaining to others what they are about.” Anti-racists point to the fact organisers are promoting the conference as a place to “share, learn and cross-pollinate ideas with an array of experts, scientists, artists and thought leaders” as evidence that far from intending to interrogate Bannon, organisers intend to give him the opportunity to present and legitimise his racist, far-right agenda to leading journalists from across Europe.
Bannon has spent much of his time since leaving the White House courting far-right groups and individuals from Europe to Brazil, including former EDL leader ‘Tommy Robinson’ who he described as “the backbone of this country”.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been at the centre of a resurgence of violent far-right activity over the summer. This Saturday 20th November, a major national anti-racist demonstration will take place in Central London organised by Stand Up To Racism & the TUC aiming to show that the vast majority of British society opposes the politics of hatred and division.
Sabby Dhalu, Co-Convenor of Stand Up To Racism said:
“The BBC’s claim that Bannon’s appearance at this event is about interrogating and scrutinizing him is evidently false. It is an opportunity to normalize and disseminate an agenda which is accelerating the rise of hate crime and violent racist movements across the globe, and Nicola Sturgeon was right to pull out for this reason.
“The BBC’s claim that Bannon’s appearance at this event is about interrogating and scrutinizing him is evidently false. It is an opportunity to normalize and disseminate an agenda which is accelerating the rise of hate crime and violent racist movements across the globe, and Nicola Sturgeon was right to pull out for this reason.
“The only available response of the anti-racist majority of society to the rise of these currents and the assistance handed to them by publicly funded media is to mobilise the biggest, broadest, most powerful movement against them. That is why we are protesting in Edinburgh and that is why thousands will take to the streets in London this Saturday.”
Weyman Bennett, Co-Convenor of Stand Up To Racism said:
“Steve Bannon has been at the epicentre of hate, racism and division across the world. In the US, he has acted as an apologist for the most vile fascism and white supremacism. It is high time that public broadcasters stop giving a platform to those who use it to promote hatred and division.
“In these protests we are not just opposing Steve Bannon, we are standing up for the people he seeks to atttack. Hate speech costs lives”
Tara McCarthy, City of Edinburgh Unison International Officer said:
“Let it be clear, the invitation of Steve Bannon, who is widely recognised as holding fascist and anti-Semitic views, does not legitimise him or the vile vitriol he spreads.
“The vast majority of Scottish citizens oppose his rhetoric and oppose this visit to Scotland. The European Broadcasting Union and BBC Scotland are seriously misguided by suggesting that his appearance offers an opportunity to challenge his views. What they have done instead is provide a platform to a vicious individual, who’s views will regrettably resonate with a tiny minority who subscribe to his race-hate agenda. Solidarity with our brothers and sisters of all races and religions is paramount to give a clear message…race hate in all forms is not welcome here!”
Steve West, spokesperson Stand up to Racism Edinburgh said:
“Stand up to Racism Edinburgh is angered and disgusted that Steve Bannon has been invited to speak at the journalism conference being run by News Xchange, and supported by the BBC, at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on November 14th.
“First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was absolutely correct to withdraw from the conference once she had learned that Bannon had been invited to it. We agree with her that this risks legitimising or normalising extreme right-wing, racist views.
“Anti-racists in Toronto have recently led the way. 1500 of them protested last week at Bannon’s speaking tour in the city.
“Together, we are sending a message to this Alt-Right strategist that he and his racist, fascist friends are not welcome. We intend to send them back to the gutters from whence they came.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1 On Saturday 17 November, a national unity demonstration against racism & fascism will take place, backed by the TUC, faith and community groups. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1887445111550804/.
2. Edinburgh Protest to take place Wednesday 14 November 14.30-15.30pm, EICC Edinburgh EH3 8EE – details here
3. Stand Up To Racism is a national broad-based organisation supported by major trade union, faith and community groups. As well as organising the annual march for UN Anti-Racism Day, it organises actions and produces materials on Islamophobia, antisemitism, refugee and migrant rights, and against the rise of the far right.
For quotes and further info email info@standuptoracism.org.uk
