The anti-Fascist movement has a long and bitter history of aggressive confrontation with the far right.
It is easy to understand how a policy of no platform has evolved.
OK, so let's have a democratic debate on immigration, but let it include the economic motives of decades of governments that have used immigration to successfully create a low- waged economy, fuelling racial tension, while the wealthy go from strength to strength.
Let's also ask the question why our political masters have betrayed working people by denying them democratic representation and creating rivers of mistrust that have allowed the politics of discord and hate to go from strength to strength.
The questions that immigration ignite are a fundamental clash of ideology between left and right which will remain an open wound obstructing social harmony until one obliterates the other, there is no common ground, no simplistic solutions to complex problems.
So let's put the gloves on and let the victor claim intellectual supremacy.
Bob Chapman
Ferrymead
Canvey
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article