Peace Hub has supported this open letter, alongside other organisations and individuals in the West Midlands, calling for any events around St George’s Day to ensure that “everyone in our community feels welcome”. This is prompted by publicity for this year’s St George’s Day Parade in Shirley, Solihull, indicating that Raise the Colours are involved in the event. The letter is open to sign.
An open letter to the organisers of the Shirley St. George’s Day Parade
We, the undersigned write to express our deep concern regarding the involvement of Raise the Colours in organising this year’s Shirley St George’s Day Parade.
Raise the Colours is a far-right, anti-migrant organisation whose activities have generated significant controversy and concern across the UK.
Its co-founder, Ryan Bridge, was recently arrested on suspicion of racially and religiously aggravated harassment. He was released on police bail with conditions, according to Bridge, banning him from entering the whole of Oxfordshire.
He has also stated publicly that he has been banned from entering France for ten years following anti-migrant vigilante activity.
The group regularly posts clips on social media of Bridge and other members of Raise the Colours engaging in confrontational interactions with members of the public, particularly women.
The group has been linked to a number of confrontations and tensions in Stirchley and Moseley, with residents reporting feeling intimidated and unsafe.
The activities of Raise the Colours have not only divided communities but, in some cases, prompted intervention by authorities, including investigations into public order concerns.
To be clear, we have no objection to any event that celebrates community in a way that is open, inclusive, and respectful of all who call this country home.
But Raise the Colours have made it very clear on numerous occasions that they have no interest in promoting unity, inclusivity or respect.
We would hope the aim of the organisers of Shirley St George’s Day Parade would be to host an event where everyone in our community feels welcome. The presence of Ryan Bridge and Raise the Colours suggests instead a narrow and divisive event, for supporters of the far-right.
We respectfully call on the organisers to reconsider any involvement of Raise the Colours in the planning or delivery of the event.
Signed by:
Birmingham Race Impact Group
Stand Up To Racism Birmingham
Birmingham TUC
Birmingham NEU
Unite 6030 Birmingham South branch
Brum Together
Kings Heath United Against Racism
Unite The People
Stirchley Is For Everyone
Birmingham Friends of the Earth
Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime
Peace Hub