Anti-Nazi League
The Anti-Nazi League (or ANL) is a UK organisation opposed to what it describes as neo-Fascist individuals and groups. It developed in the 1970s as an attempt by the far-left to counter the National Front, and then again in the 1990s against various other far-right groups. In the 2000s, its main target has been the British National Party.
| Table of contents |
|
2 History 3 The ANL's Leadship 4 External links |
The ANL carries out leafletting and other campaigns against these groups, including protests, some of which have resulted in violence.
The ANL was linked to "Rock Against Racism" in the 1970s, and is heavily involved in a similar group, "Love Music Hate Racism", in the 2000s.
Critics accuse the ANL of being opposed to free speech, the most notable being the Pro-democracy league, which often holds counter demonstrations against the ANL.
Sir Paul Condon, the then Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said of an ANL protest in London in October, 1993:
The ANL begun as a front organization for the Socialist Workers Party, and it still retain close links with the SWP.
During the late 1970s it faced a major split when the even more radical Red action faction parted company from the main organisation due to ideological differences. Red action went on to form the "Anti-Fascist Action" group, or AFA, which is noted for its predeliction for violent confrontation.
The ANL's National Organiser and leader is Weyman Bennett, who is a high-ranking member of the Socialist Workers Party and on the National Executive of the Socialist Alliance.
Its previous National Organiser was Julie Waterson, who was also an active and high-ranking member of the SWP.
In May 2001 she wrote in the SWP's newpaper, the Socialist Worker:
Activites
In response the ANL claimed that, having prevented any exit from the area, mounted and riot police broke their own rules by charging the crowd.History
The ANL's Leadship
The ANL has close links with many Trade Unions, many of which have affiliated with it.External links
