We the undersigned condemn the decision by the English Defence League (EDL) to come to Oxford on Saturday 4th April to exploit the suffering of Oxfordshire victims of child sexual exploitation to further its own selfish ends.  This is not the first time that the EDL have tried to take advantage of the suffering of exploited children.  They previously tried to use the abuse of children in Rotheram to stir up hatred against Muslims.

Sexual exploitation is an appalling crime, but it is not linked to ethnicity or religion. As the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre point out, ‘Child sexual exploitation is not confined to one community, age, demographic, social status or gender.’  We support and seek justice for all victims of sexual exploitation regardless of their social or ethnic background.    

The EDL is a racist group dedicated to attacking Asian people and Muslims. Islamophobia – bigotry against Muslims – is as unacceptable as any other form of racism. Today they threaten Muslims, tomorrow it could be Jewish people, Hindus, Sikhs, black people, LGBT people, Travellers or East Europeans.

Originally they had planned to hold a racist march in Brighton, but faced with overwhelming local opposition have decided to stir up racism and division in Oxford.

We urge people of goodwill to support the ‘EDL not welcome in Oxford’ statement and join the ‘Justice for the victims – We will not let the racists divide us’ demonstration on Saturday 4th April

Demonstrate Saturday 4th April - assemble 12 am Bonn Square

    No to the EDL exploiting the suffering of victims of abuse
    Justice for the victims
    Don't let the racists divide us.