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Page 2 The British Weekly, Sat. February 7, 2015News From BritainRising far-right group Pegidaplans UK rally in Newcastlen Locals fear German movement’s plan to hold event in cityis attempt to whip up tension after Paris attacksA far-right group thatprotests against theperceived “Islamisationof the west” hasannounced plans tomarch in Newcastle inits first UK rally.The Germanmovement Pegida said itwould hold an event inthe city on 28 Februaryin what local people fearis an attempt to whip uptension after the Parisattacks last month.The group, known byits acronym, whichtranslates as “patrioticEuropeans against theIslamisation of the west”,convulsed Germany inJanuary when it drew25,000 protesters to a rallyin Dresden at the sametime as 100,000 peopletook to the streets tomourn the victims of theFrench terror attacks.‘message of hatred’In a Facebook post, thegroup said: “Pegida UKis holding its first rally inNewcastle. All arewelcome to attend. Let’sshow the Islamists weshow no fear.”As of Thursdayevening, 320 people hadclicked to confirm theywould attend the rallythe Newcastle rally.Events in Birminghamand London have beensuggested for a laterdate.Newcastle Central’sLabour MP, ChiOnwurah, said Pegidawould not find the samelevel of support in thecity as in Germany.“Pegida, like EDL [theEnglish Defence League]and all those who try topeddle a message ofhatred, will find theyhave no place inNewcastle,” she said.‘shared values’“I was born and grewup in Newcastle. It’s acity of strongcommunities and wevalue our diversity andour shared values andthose include respect forpeople and workingtogether.“This morning’s reporton the rise inanti-semitism shows thatthere are people who aretrying to exploit tensionsbetween communities –there’s an increase inanti-semitism, anincrease in Islamophobia– and Newcastle standsagainst that.”Onwurah said she hadnot seen a rise in tensionin Newcastle since theParis attacks althoughthere had been anincrease in Islamophobicand antisemiticcomments on socialmedia.They’re not going tofind the same kind ofsupport in Newcastlethat they’ve been findingin Germany, in partbecauseourcommunities talk andengage together all thetime.”extremistsOpponents say theywill hold acounter-demonstrationif the Newcastle marchgoes ahead. UniteAgainst Fascism’s jointsecretary WeymanBennett said: “They havetried to do this all overEurope. I think weshould oppose it.”Northumbria policesaid it had not beencontacted by Pegida. Aspokeswoman said: “Wehave not received formalnotification from thisgroup about a proposedmarch.”Pegida’s progress inGermany has been hit bythe resignation of fiveleaders amid fears thecause was beinghijacked by extremists.THE NEW RIGHT: The German-based organization held a large rally in Dresdenfollowing the Charlie Hebdo massacre last month in ParisArmy needs more Muslimrecruits, says top soldierMore must be done torecruit soldiers fromethnic minorities andin particular theMuslim community,the Head of the BritishArmy has admitted.General Sir NicholasCarter, who took up therole of Chief of theGeneral Staff last year,said that ethic minorityrepresentation in themilitary is “nowherenear where it needs tobe”.“We have to do more.My highest priority isensuring we continue tohave the best possibletalent throughout ourArmy,” he said.Figures released bythe Ministry of Defencereveal there are only 480Muslims serving inArmy.That is only 0.54% ofthe total regular force of88,500. Moreover, not allof those Muslims areBritish - some joinedfrom Commonwealthcountries.‘rewarding experience’Overall, all ethnicminorities - includingblack, Asian, Sikh,Hindu and Fijian people- make up less than 10%of the force.The military’s IslamicReligious Advisorwelcomed GeneralCarter’s comments.“In my view, the valuesof the Armed Forces arefully compatible withthe values of Islam aswell as other faiths,”said Imam Asim Hafiz.“Anybody wishing topursue a career in theServices, Regular orReserve, and isprepared to work hardcan be assured of a veryrewarding experience.”Senior figures in themilitary and Ministry ofcont. on page 3, col. 1171 Pier Avenue, Ste. 121• Santa Monica, CA 90405Tel (310 ) 452-2621• FAX: (310) 314-7653E-mail:editor@british-weekly.comwww.british-weekly.com • twitter.com/BritishWeeklyMANAGING EDITOR: Neil FletcherDEPUTY EDITOR: Nick StarkCONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Alan Darby Drake, John Hiscock, Eileen Lee, DaveKershaw, Anthony Matthews, Carolan Nathan, Anne Shaw, Bernard Sidman, NickStark, Craig Bobby YoungFEATURES EDITOR: Gabrielle PanteraADVERTISING MANAGER: Mark DevlinSTAFF ARTIST: Noel PughLEGAL NOTICES & DBAS: Mirelle WoolfDISTRIBUTION: Mirelle Woolf, Mercedes GreySUBSCRIPTIONS: 6 months: $33; 1 year $54 (1st Class)The British Weekly is published every Saturday and is available at over 250 locations inSouthern California. 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