Big Lunch Event 17th July
Big Lunch Community Event – 17th July
On Saturday 17th the Interfaith Network led a joint ‘Big Lunch’ community event in central Dudley, some distance from the EDL protest.
A short time before the planned date of the English Defence League planned return to Dudley, The Interfaith Network, at the request of the Police and in conversation with DMBC opened a conversation with UAF to suggest an Interfaith led community celebration and diversionary event, instead of a full UAF counter-protest, for reasons of safety and to minimise disruption to the local community and traders. UAF willingly agreed to run a joint community event, together with CFED, and on Saturday 17th we delivered a ‘Big Lunch’ community celebration event, providing a diversion for those who chose to be in Dudley, and an opportunity for local people to recognise the unity which exists in Dudley. The Big Lunch event was as expected entirely peaceful and calm, and delivered on the Network’s aim of providing a alternative event, with minimal disruption to local people and business. We acted in full co-operation with the WM Police and Dudley Council both in planning and delivering the event, with a majority of those attending local people.
EDL Protest
On the 17th July the EDL once again travelled to Dudley to protest. Those listening to one of their leaders on Radio WM on the morning of their arrival could be forgiven for not knowing why exactly they were protesting in Dudley, and what they hoped to achieve, and the day itself didn’t clarify matters, it’s main marker being public disorder by EDL supporters. While EDL leaders had been assuring police and media of their intentions for a peaceful and confined protest, reports indicate that their supporters started almost immediately to attack the police in an attempt to roam freely across Dudley, and for a period of time during the day EDL supporters caused violence and damage in Dudley Town Centre and the surrounding areas. This included attacking a local temple (with community members inside) and elsewhere EDL supporters were reportedly involved in conflicts resulting in a number of injuries, and further damage and cost to local people. West Midlands Police and Dudley Council did an excellent job in managing a very difficult situation, which was bought within control as soon as possible, and EDL protesters removed back to their transport. Some pictures here.
As Dudley returns to normality
Our experience as people of many faiths and none living in Dudley is that Dudley is a warm, welcoming and wonderful place to live and work. We’re proud to be a part of a community which is respectful, safe and fair for everyone. We believe that matters of local concern can and will be dealt with without the intervention of those from far away, whose intervention has on two occasions proved violent and disruptive. We join with others in urging the English Defence League not to inflict further fear and likely violence on the people of Dudley, and to stay away from this peaceful town.
As always we are very happy to engage with any local people of all faiths and none who are willing to enter peaceful dialogue on matters of interest, which are of relevance to the network. You can make contact here, and we’d be very happy to hear from you.
You can read about our One Borough Pledge, celebrating the strength of our local community here.
