It’s curry and samosas all round in Bradford

Source: Hope Not Hate

There was widespread relief across Bradford last night after the EDL protest passed off without major incident. Despite huge provocation from the racist hooligans the Muslim community in particular refused to rise to the bait.

But as I mention in my summary of the day last night, there was a far bigger victory in that Bradford is now able to move out of the shadow cast by the 2001 riots. The opposition to the EDL was almost universal across the city and has fostered a new and positive community spirit.

This was shown brilliantly last night. A huge police presence remained in the city in case of trouble, with most officers based in vans at the police HQ in the city centre. Late in the evening several Asian families arrived at the police station to thank the assembled officers for their hard work during the day. They then presented them with large trays of food, curries and samosas, which was gladly accepted by the police.

Bradford has rejected the racism and hatred of the EDL and is moving forward together as one people.

Bradford still has its problems but the campaign against the EDL, led by Bradford Together and HOPE not hate, has helped foster a new and more positive community spirit.