CARL)
THE Campaign Against Racist Laws (CARL) has called for a national demonstration in London on April 5 to defeat the racist Nationality Bill.
Unless mass opposition is mobilised, this bill could become law by June. This would mean not only tighter controls on Black immigration, but also the loss of basic civil rights for Black people already resident in Britain.
The bill provides three classes of people. Only one - "British citizenship" - gives rights to settle in this country. Many thousands of Black Commonwealth citizens would become effectively stateless while Black settlers will be unable to acquire citizen rights.
Even Blacks already in Britain could be denied voting rights and jobs in the civil service.
A groundswell of activity against the bill has been growing. throughout the country. South London, Bristol and Birmingham CARL groups which had been leading the way are now being joined by CARLs in Bradford, Swindon, Southall and North London.
An upsurge has also taken place among the Black community.
In an attempt to conceal the racist nature of the government proposals, and to pacify Black people, Whitelaw has announced plans for an "enquiry" into "extremist and racialist organisations".
The timing of this move is no accident. In a scheme designed to offset the anger among Black organisations about government legislation, Whitelaw is planning to set up special police investigation units into racism.
While some Black leaders have welcomed the news, many Black people will see this as a sick joke.
Continued on Page 3. 100,000 Black people marched for their rights in Washington, USA, on January 15. Similar mass demonstrations, uniting the labour movement and Black community, are needed in Britain. •A Jailsioo?