Press Release: Unprecedented coalition unites against the far Right

This unprecedented coalition launched a 100-foot billboard poster across the Capital that warns of the critical danger from the far Right at the upcoming elections.

The poster is designed in a Banksy style design, with a hard hitting image.

OBVs research indicates that far Right groups such as the BNP could win up to two Assembly seats in this London election, giving them the balance of power in City Hall. If turnout is low, far Right groups could gain political ground under the proportional representation voting system. We estimate that if 50,000 more Black Londoners vote than in the last London elections along with other communities the far Right could be defeated.

Simon Woolley, OBV director said: 'We in the Black community don't have the luxury not to vote. Our enemies are blatant racists, masquerading as democrats. Our task is urgent but simple: we register to vote by the 16th April and vote on the 1st May. These actions will be a fitting tribute to the death of Dr Martin Luther King, 40 years this month.'

Revd Andrew Wakefield, Chair London Civic Forum said: "London Civic Forum exists to encourage and enable all of London's citizens and organisations to get involved in the way our city is run. We urge all Londoners to get out and vote on May 1st and make sure far right parties which seek to deny rights and opportunities to many of our people don't get a place in London's governance"

Muslim Council of Britain said: "The MCB is encouraging Muslims to readily join fellow Londoners to go out and vote on local matters and stop the far right. If you don't vote, you don't count.We must all stand united against these peddlers of hate. The far right will aim to gain legitimacy by winning a seat on the London Assembly and use the funding paid to Assembly Members by your council tax to promote its Islamophobic hatred. Participating in local elections is our civic duty and is in the best traditions of Islam.

Board of Deputies of British Jews said: "As British citizens we all have a responsibility to stand up against the politics of fear and extremism. It is vital that we stand together as one community. Every vote for a mainstream party on May 1st is a vote against extremism and we urge all Londoners to make sure they use their vote and use it wisely".

Lindey German, Mayoral candidate, Left List said: "London should be a byword of multiculturalism and equality. Black and Asian people in London have fought for the right to be treated equally. They are the backbone of many jobs and services in London, from the NHS to the transport system. Yet BME people are excluded from much of mainstream politics. At the same time young blacks  and Asians are much more likely to be stopped and searched, and are more likely to be excluded from school, than whites."