19th May:National Day for Refugees

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester marched in unity with refugees and asylum seekers, for asylum seekers rights.

Gordon Brown in Manchester

Gordon Brown came to Manchester (16th May) to rub shoulders with the Co-Operative group and north west labour members and to chat about his "aspiraitions to lead our country" we were told.

So, as Manchester is the City of Peace, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester offered to entertain Gordon Brown and his buddies by offering them some music but also some education about how it is not nice to kill people, bomb countries and take countries to war.

The Police, however, seemed to wish to protect the sambistas of Rhyhtms of Resistance from the Warhead Gordon Brown and pushed them away from the building and also played chase.
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Indymedia report:

On 16th May 2007, Gordon Brown visited Manchester . “With the kind support of The Co-operative Group, the Labour Party hosted an exclusive opportunity for North West Labour and Co-operative Party members to meet Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP and discuss with him his aspirations to lead our country.”

Around 50 people gathered outside the building with Troops Out placards and banners. A few short speeches were made on the megaphone as part of the Lobby called by the Stop The War Coalition. Flyers were given out.

Meanwhile, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester (samba band) turned up with loud fast rhythms and chants “NO WAR” “NO NUKES” “BAD BROWN” and “TROOPS OUT”. The sambistas marched up the stairs to meet Gordon Brown. There was pushing as the Police rushed to stop the sambistas, while “this is what democracy looks like” was played by the band. One of the Policemen shouted angrily to the sambistas “I am not going to chase you” (!)

The protest lasted two hours with no arrests, but one loud message: Gordon Brown’s “aspirations to lead our country” are not welcomed here.

War criminals are not welcome! No to war, No to arms dealers, No more War Criminals.
No more warheads.

Stop the war machine.

SMASH EDO
STOP DSEi

Manchester march for Refugees and in celebration of International Workers Day

7th May 2007

“More than 2000 children a year are locked up by the UK Government for immigration purposes”

“7000 Iraqi asylum seekers face the terrifying prospect of being forcibly returned to the bloodshed and violence of Iraq.”

“I don't want to go back to Congo because there is a war there and, if I go back, my life will be finished.'”

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester in unity with the Congo Support Project led the march on 7th May to demand that the government stops the war on asylum seekers.

The march, organised by the Trades Union for Refugees, started at All Saints Park and ended in The Peace Gardens for a rally.

“We cannot imagine how it feels to be sent back to countries where you face imprisonment, torture and ill-treatment. We cannot imagine how it feels to be in such a desperation that you set fire to yourself rather than be sent back home, or live in deportation centres. Equally we cannot imagine how it feels to be such an inhumane government to send these people to their death. We are here to stand in unity with refugees and asylum seekers. And to demand that the Home Office stops sending these people to their death.”

For an Indymedia report click here