Star pulls on its jackboots

The Daily Star continues to give a propaganda boost to certain patriotic English (ahem) groups in Luton. They are reporting that an anti-extremist demo has been given the go-ahead 'in protest at Muslim hatemongers trying to split Britain.'

This is in response to the dozen infamous publicity-hungry loudmouths who picketed the soldier's homecoming parade in the town. How this very small group are going to 'split Britain' isn't very clear. But the sympathetic language for the 'anti-extremists' is very telling. The story goes on to say:

The rally is organised by March For England, which previously led similar campaigns on Baby P and Gurkhas’ rights.

Which of course makes them seem very kindly. But a look at their website or Myspace page shows a preponderance of imagery that seem to point in one direction - lions, lots of red and white - and protestations that they aren't racist. Why do they feel the need to do that?

Well, because they link to the websites of their 'friends' Lionheart and Tabloid UK, a site which seems to re-print every anti-immigrant story from the tabloids without critical comment. One of their friends on Myspace is a full of praise for the BNP. Most of their friends on Myspace and Facebook appear to be white.

They say (their caps):

WE ARE NOT A RACIST GROUP NOR DO WE CONDONE ANY RACISM, NOR ARE WE AFFILIATED WITH ANY RACIST GROUP.

But they follow that by saying immigration has 'ruined..our country' and is 'threatening our country’s identity'.

Back to the Star and the story continues:

Rally inspiration Wayne King’s Ban The Terrorists group has a 1,500-strong petition which it plans to present to Luton’s mayor Lakhbir Singh.

Banning terrorists is not really a hugely controversial line to take (only 1,500 signatures for that?), but the use of the word 'inspiration' again makes it clear where the Star's sympathies lie.