Drew McConnell of indie band Babyshambles will be speaking out in support of LMHR national coordinator Martin Smith – who faces serious charges after last year’s demo against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time.
Martin, who is also an officer of our sister campaign Unite Against Fascism, was arrested on the demo against Nazi Nick and has been charged with assaulting a police officer. He strenuously denies the charge.
Drew – pictured with Martin at last year’s LMHR festival in Stoke – will be outside the court to support Martin when his hearing takes place. The musicians will be joined by Roger Huddle, founder of the original Rock Against Racism, Mark Serwotka, leader of the PCS trade union, former UCU general secretary Paul Mackney and Zita Holbourne, joint chair of Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (Barac).
Support Martin at his hearing
Please support Martin by joining us outside the court – bring your placards and banners!
9am Tuesday 7 September
South Western Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU
The court is just up the road from Clapham Junction station (see map). Nearest tubes: Clapham South and Clapham Common.
UPDATE – TUBE STRIKE: There is set to be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria). Bus routes 35, 37, 39, 49, 77, 87, 156, 170, 219, 295, 319, 337, 344, 345, C3 and G1 all stop close to the court. Please allow extra time to travel by bus because it is rush hour and buses will be crowded during the strike.
Trade union backing
Are you in a union? We’re asking trade union branches to support Martin by passing the model motion below and making a donation towards court costs. The London Underground workers’ RMT London Fleet 960 branch has done just that, with a £200 contribution.
Don’t forget to let us know if your organisation backs the motion – email us with the name of your union branch or group or drop us a line to the postal address below.
model motion
Support Martin Smith – Defend the right to protest
This union branch/organisation notes:
1. Martin Smith, the national coordinator of Love Music Hate Racism and an officer of Unite Against Fascism, faces a serious charge following the demo against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on the BBC’s Question Time.
2. Martin was arrested on the protest and has been charged with assaulting a police officer. He strenuously denies the charge.
3. Thousands of people joined the UAF demo on 22 October last year against nazi Nick Griffin’s invitation onto the flagship Question Time programme. The demo was backed by trade unions Unite, PCS, CWU, Bectu, Aslef, TSSA, the Musicians Union and the South East Regional TUC.
This union branch/organisation agrees:
1. This case involving a leading antifascist activist could also have implications for other antifascists in future.
2. It is important to stand up for our right to protest.
This union branch/organisation resolves:
1. To support the protest outside Martin’s hearing: 9am Tuesday 7 September
South Western Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU
2. To make a donation of …… towards Martin’s court costs.
You can donate online using the button below, or send a cheque payable to Unite Against Fascism to us at: Unite Against Fascism, PO Box 36871, London WC1X 9XT.
Individual donations are also welcome
hackney said:
good luck Martin – I’ll be there!
reddog said:
lets hope justice prevails………
see you there.