27/07/2010

Statement from Paul Meszaros of Bradford Together

Our city faces many challenges. As Bradfordians we know that there are issues of concern that we must address and that there are problems that we must resolve together.

We also know that the vast majority of people from all backgrounds want to find solutions that are fair and respectful to all, and that do not scapegoat or stigmatise individuals or communities. Our once proud image has suffered, often unfairly, at the hands of the national and international media. Bradford has been stereotyped as a city of racial intolerance or of riots. We know that this is not the true picture of Bradford but we also know that if the city is to move forward we need to continue to focus on the many positive aspects of our city and the wider district.

In the last nine years Bradford has shown that we are not a city of extremism. We are faced with many challenges but we are blessed with remarkable citizens from all backgrounds who can and will work together to build a better future for all of us.

Bradford Together is a coalition of organisations and individuals in Bradford who are worried that the proposed march by the English Defence League (EDL), could lead to serious disorder.

Calling for a ban is not something we do lightly. Our country has a proud and ancient tradition of tolerance and part of that tolerance is allowing people we disagree with to express themselves.

There are some groups who refuse to understand that with freedom comes responsibility. Extremists who want only to cause trouble, division and conflict and who refuse to take responsibility for their own actions. The EDL is one such organisation; they are calling their planned event in Bradford ‘The Big One' and can hardly wait to bring racism and violence from outside into our city.

This, then, is not a question of freedom of speech, it is a question of protecting Bradford from extremists who do not care about the lives of the people of Bradford and have no stake in our future.

We know that the vast majority of Bradfordians want a peaceful city; not one that outside agitators turn into a battlefield. We believe that if enough Bradfordians ask, then the Home Secretary will grant us a ban. Everyone knows how damaging the last riots were; by working together we need to make sure that we never witness those scenes again.

Many organisations and individuals have signed up to Bradford Together. These include the Bishop, Bradford University, Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Bradford TUC and many more. If you would like to sign up or for more information visit

http://www.bradfordtogether.org.uk/