Sunday November 25th saw the biggest demonstration yet against racist immigration curbs. Organised by the C'ampaign Against Racist Laws (CARL), over 10,000 marched through London demanding the repeal of the 1971 Act and the Tories' new measures.
Not only was the size of the demonstration impressive but also the broad forces that came together to build it. Present on it were not only the major ethnic groups - who took the initiative in forming CARL - but also Labour MPs, Labour and trade union branches and antiracist groups.
Particularl! welcome on it was support trom the labour modement which is beginning to realise that it cannot stand idly by while the Tories whip up racist moods designed to divide and split working people.
NEXT STEP CARL's next step is obviously to build on this positive turn-out hy drawing ever-wider forces into opposition to the Tory offensive. At a steering ettee meeting following the demonstration. it was agreed to go ahead with certain initiatives that had already been planned.
These include sponsoring a marca from Bradford to London -mainly by the Bradford Asian Youth Organisation -to build regional demonstrations against the immigration laws. Such the positivo response it has met with London WC3. this direction. That step must now he used to convince ever-wider layers that delending the rights of Black people today is the best way of defending the whole labour movement tomorrow * If you would like to set up a CARL group locally - or find out more about the campaign write to: CARL, PO Box 151, ART STRY
Socialist Action