Ed Miliband joined celebrities and more than 33,000 people yesterday in signing a letter to the Daily Mirror condemning far-right groups using Lee Rigby’s death for their own agenda.
The Labour leader joined stars, union bosses and leaders of all faiths in blasting the English Defence League as it planned 90 demonstrations this weekend.
In the letter they said: “We know that the EDL does not speak for all of Britain, just as we know that Muslim ¬extremists do not speak for all Muslims.”
Mr ¬Miliband added: “Today’s Hope Not Hate letter to the Mirror from 33,000 people shows people who spread hatred will fail.”
Anti-racism campaign Hope Not Hate, supported by the Mirror, was behind the message.
Comedian Eddie Izzard urged people to sign the letter and within hours thousands had backed it as the campaign went viral on Twitter.
Among other celebrities to give their support were singers Speech Debelle, Beverley Knight, Billy Bragg and Blue’s Lee Ryan and Duncan James.
Apprentice winner Stella English also got on board and said: “My mum lives moments from where the murder happened so this means a lot to me. I applaud what the Mirror is doing.”
TUC chief Frances O’Grady was among the union bosses to add their names to the letter.
She said: "The fact the EDL is looking to make political capital out of the tragic murder of Lee Rigby shows just how far this organisation is prepared to go to stir up conflict and division.” Letter to the ‘Daily Mirror’ » | Alun Palmer | Saturday, June 01, 2013
We Are The Many »
My view and essay: This Beheading Should Be a Seminal Moment in Our Tolerance of Islam » | Mark Alexander | Thursday, May 23, 2013 and Wednesday, May 22, 2013
