#edl #racism - Bishop of St Albans urges Christians to 'stand firm' against EDL http://ow.ly/1aBrim
The racist and Islamophobic English Defence League will be “bringing it back to where it all began” according to its Facebook page and a number of pro-EDL blogs and forums operated by football hooligans calling themselves “casuals”.
The carnival of hatred and racial abuse will take place on Saturday 5 February 2011 between 2pm and 4pm somewhere in the centre of Luton. Members of both the German and Dutch Defence Leagues have pledged support, whatever that might be, and over 500 EDL supporters claim they will attend so far.
On its Facebook page the EDL says that the protest is against what it claims is the ‘Islamification’ of England and “the police forces of this country that continue to treat EDL members with total disrespect” and that “there will be no police liaison for this demonstration.”
A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire Police told local press:
“No approach has yet been made to us by the leadership of the EDL to formally notify the intended nature of such a protest.
“It is important an approach is made and ideally as soon as possible by EDL leaders, so we can work with them to facilitate peaceful protest and to give appropriate consideration to the needs of the wider communities of Luton before, during and after such an event takes place in the town.
“In anticipation of this, we have started liaison with relevant parties, including Luton Borough Council and members of the Safety Advisory Group, in order to ensure not only that any planned event can take place in a way that fully respects the rights of members of the EDL to protest, but which also ensures that the wider public of Luton are able to go safely about their lawful business on the day.”
Luton Chief Superintendent Mike Colbourne said:
“It is vital that we continue to facilitate peaceful demonstrations in order for freedom of speech to be preserved.
“It is also crucial, however, that those involved in protest and counter protest recognise and understand that the overwhelming majority of the public of Luton desire harmony for our communities.
“I stand ready to meet with the leadership of the EDL and other interested parties to ensure that any proposed event takes place peacefully in the town, ensuring that all parties involved in the leadership and management of such protest fully understand their obligations within the law.”
Unite Against Fascism is preparing an event in Luton on the same day to help counter the EDL’s message of division and it is likely that other anti-racism groups will travel to Luton to help protect cultural and religious sites at risk of attack by the EDL.
Tags: Bedfordshire Police, DDL, Dutch Defence League, EDL, English Defence League, GDL, German Defence League, Luton, Luton Borough Council, Mike Colbourne, UAF, Unite Against Fascism
