Photocall:
Euro-MP to join protest against racism in Daily Mail
Time: Monday, January
27th, 2003, 5.30pm
Place: Outside Daily Mail Offices, 2 Derry St, Kensington,
W8
VIOLENT attacks on asylum seekers are being fuelled by the Daily Mail's racist campaign against refugees and immigrants, according to London Euro-MP Jean Lambert.
"The Daily Mail's racist war on refugees and immigrants is contributing to a climate of fear and violence," said Mrs Lambert, Green MEP for London.
Her comments came ahead of a demonstration outside the Daily Mail's London offices to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday (January 27th). Mrs Lambert will join demonstrators from refugee groups and Jewish organisations protesting at the paper's history of supporting fascism and current hate campaign against refugees.
The Daily Mail regularly dedicates its front page, centre spread and even opinion column to stories attacking refugees.
Mrs Lambert said: "Asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable members of our society, many having been forced to abandon families, homes and possessions as they flee torture and violence at home.
"Thanks in part to the Daily Mail - and the hate and intolerance it promotes - asylum seekers are suffering persecution and racist violence here too. Refugees have been murdered and suffered horrific injuries, in one case losing an eye."
Mrs Lambert added: "Yesterday the Home Secretary described the mood in the country as a 'coiled spring' and warned vigilante groups may increasingly turn to violence against immigrants.
"The Daily Mail knows it is tightening this spring. The Government must now consider whether the paper is conforming to race hate laws and, if there is any doubt, consider prosecuting its editors for inciting racially motivated attacks.
"Readers can reject racism too, by telling the Daily Mail their views and refusing to buy the paper again."
ENDS
For more information please contact Ben Duncan on 020 7407 6280 or 0776 997 0691