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.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.
“This year has been a manic one for me and standing up along side such a great movement will be the crowning moment topping my support slots with Tinchy Stryder and Professor Green. This means to much to me and something that is very close to my heart, I cant wait to get up there and do my part in fighting the EDL and racial discrimination.”
“It’s beautiful to see such a diversity in ethnic and community support when it comes to a common cause. We hope that this will continue to endeavour throughout life as well as for such situations. We must remind ourselves: One heart, one Love, One Mind, Were all One Human Race. Peace”.
Love Music Hate Racism is a cause I greatly support. Intolerance has no place in music and I believe we must unite together to combat it. I can’t be in Bradford on Saturday but i hope you have a great day and show the racist EDL that we will not be intimidated, and they are not welcome in our towns or cities.”