Anonymous hackers take down EDL web site

English defenceless

Right-wing Muslim-baiting nut-jobs the English Defence League have come in for a bit of a poking with a sharp stick wielded by hackers with a conscience.

#TeamPrinc3ss is credited with a part in the hack, though to be honest we don't really know what that means. Twitterer froobze, has something to do with it, describing him/herself as a 'Social engineer of Team Princess and media representative', as he twits from his 'secret bunker' somewhere.

The hack may have something to do with Anonymous, orTeamprinc3ss is a splinter group, or a separate gang with similar aims or something else entirely.

What we do know is that the website http://englishdefenceleague.org/ is currently offline in what is claimed as a take-down by someone or other.

We're guessing this is a UK-based initiative - who else has heard of the EDL? The group seems to have emerged from Luton and is proud to claim a selection of different races amongst their number. The outfit claims not to be racist - it just wants to get rid of the Muslims.

Some hope.

thinq

Men admit spraying racist words on mosque

Two men have admitted daubing racist graffiti on a mosque and two Asian-run business premises.

Anthony Donald Smith, 24, and 32-year-old Steven James Vasey yesterday both pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to commit racially aggravated criminal damage, between November 1 and 17, last year.

It relates, specifically, to spray painting offensive messages on the Nasir mosque, in Brougham Place, Hartlepool, as well as at the Milko store, in Potto Street, and at the Albert Guest House, in Front Street, both in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, all said to have taken place on November 11. Smith, of Neptune Way, Easington Colliery, and Vasey, of Prior’s Grange, High Pittington, near Durham, entered their pleas at a short hearing at Durham Crown Court, yesterday.

Barristers Shaun Dryden, for Vasey, and Stephen Constantine, for Smith, requested reports be prepared by the Probation Service before the men are sentenced. Judge John Evans agreed and adjourned the hearing for sentence on a day to be agreed in the week of October 3. Bailing the two men, he warned them: “The fact I’m adjourning mustn’t be taken by either of you as any indication as to the way you are sentenced. That will up to the judge who sentences you in October.”

They will be sentenced alongside a third defendant, co-accused Charlotte Christina Davies. The 19-year-old single mother, of Irving Path, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is facing the same charge. She appeared in the court on Friday, August 19, when the hearing was told that she intends to plead guilty.

Davies was said to have sent text messages suggesting pork scratchings should be thrown at the mosque, or a pig’s head could be left there, with “Merry Christmas” daubed above the door, on the day before the start of the Muslim festival of Eid.

Jane Waugh, for Davies, told that hearing she would be pleading guilty on the basis that whatever she suggested was not carried out by any of the others. Her case was adjourned, and probation reports were requested for her next hearing, when she will appear with Vasey and Smith, in the week of October 3.

Northern Echo

City hailed for blocking bid to stage far-right parade

CONFRONTATION: Police control an SDL march on the Royal Mile last year

Councillors have been praised for their decision to ban a planned far-right parade through Edinburgh amid fears it would create a "flashpoint" of violence.

The Scottish Defence League's rally would have seen around 200 people take to the streets on the day before the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York. The controversial march attracted a flurry of objections over the group's "racist and homophobic" views, with Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill claiming it "could pose a threat to public safety". The council's licensing committee voted unanimously to throw out the plans yesterday.

Aamer Anwar, a human rights lawyer and organiser of Scotland United, said: "We welcome the council's decision to ban the SDL march. Neo-Nazis masquerading under the flag of Scotland will never be welcome in our capital city."

During the meeting yesterday, Councillor Joanna Mowat said she feared the parade could turn violent.

"Given the tension there is in the UK, along with what has happened in England, I think this could be a flashpoint. There could very well be a risk to public safety."

Asked to explain the views shared by SDL members, regional organiser Paul O' Donnell told councillors: "The main issue is the rise of militant Islam in the UK and how we feel the Government is not doing anything about it. We feel that when peoples' lives are being put at risk because of Islamic extremists, we've got to stand up."

Fellow organiser Graham Fleming added: "The EDL have members who are BNP members, we ourselves are trying to get these people out. We do offer moderate Islams the chance to stand beside us."

But the pair were grilled over photographs of an SDL event in Irvine, which showed participants carrying banners proclaiming "No more mosques".

Mr Fleming insisted the people carrying the banners had no connection with the SDL, but Councillor Louise Lang said: "The concern I have is over the lack of proactive action over those placards. I would not be comfortable in supporting this on the basis of public order."

Lothian and Borders Police did not object to the bid, but Superintendent David Carradice said in a statement: "If previous experience in February 2010 is anything to go by, any opposition rally is likely to be significant in size with some of the opposition wanting to find themselves near to SDL with a view to registering their concerns at the views being expressed."

Asked whether the SDL would appeal the decision, Mr Fleming said: "We will need to sit down and work out what is the approach now for the SDL."

Scotsman

Woman admits part in racism

A single mother said to be a member of the English Defence League (EDL) has admitted her part in an incident which saw racist remarks daubed on buildings including a mosque.

Charlotte Christina Davies, 19, intends to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit racially aggravated criminal damage, Durham Crown Court heard yesterday.

The teenager, from Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire, was charged after slogans were spray-painted on the Nasir mosque, in Hartlepool, and the Albert Guest House and Milko store, in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on November 16, last year.

Ms Davies sent text messages suggesting people throw pork scratchings, leave a pig’s head and daub Merry Christmas above a door the day before the beginning of the Muslim festival of Eid, David Crook, prosecuting, told the court.

No charges were formally put to Ms Davies yesterday but Jane Waugh, for Ms Davies, said her client would be pleading guilty on an agreed basis. That basis would include that whatever she suggested was not carried out, she said.

Ms Waugh asked for a presentence report be compiled on Ms Davies – a request agreed by Judge John Evans, who adjourned her case to be heard at Durham Crown Court in the week beginning Monday, October 3, and granted her unconditional bail until that date.

The judge told Ms Davies: “Your case is now adjourned to the week of October 3. It’s adjourned for a pre-sentence report, which will be prepared on the basis you intend to plead guilty. The fact that I’m admitting you to bail must not be taken by you as any indication of your sentence.”

At the time of her arrest, Durham Police said Ms Davies claimed to be a member of the EDL, a far right protest movement.

Northern Echo

Thanks to Greg for the heads-up

How stupid are EDL members? (Part 454)

The leader of Morecambe EDL proves he's a complete and utter fucking idiot.

EDL member admits mosque attack

A member of the English Defence League has admitted taking part in a spray paint attack on a mosque.

Charlotte Davies, 19, will plead guilty to conspiracy to commit racially aggravated criminal damage. She travelled from her home in Irving Path, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, to Durham Crown Court where she indicated she admitted her part in the graffiti attack in November. The Nasir Mosque in Hartlepool, a shop and a guest house were sprayed.

The plea was not formally entered although the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be carried out and she will be sentenced in October.

Anthony Smith, 24, of Neptune Way, Easington Colliery, County Durham, and Steven Vasey, 32, of Prior's Grange, Pittington, County Durham, are accused of the same offence and they will enter pleas next Friday.

Independent

Ban the march of hate

On Saturday 3 September the English Defence League plan to march through the streets of Tower Hamlets. They want to peddle their racism and hatred through the heart of one of Britain’s biggest Muslim communities. I would like your help to stop them.

The EDL want to whip up racism and terrorise the local Muslim community. There can be no other explanation for their provocative march. They are coming to East London looking for a confrontation and trying to provoke a violent reaction. This is the last thing the people of Tower Hamlets want or need.

We are calling on the authorities to ban this hate march.

We have shown before that we can force the authorities to act. We stopped the EDL from marching through a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood of Bradford last year. More recently we forced the Home Secretary to ban the controversial US preacher, Pastor Jones, from entering Britain.

Now we need to stop the EDL from marching in Tower Hamlets in September.

Tower Hamlets has a long and proud history of immigration and resistance to racism and fascism and so we must stand up against the EDL now. We’ve made a difference before and I know we can be successful again. Please sign our petition.

We will be handing in the petition to the police in Tower Hamlets in early August.

"We, the undersigned, call on the authorities to ban the proposed march by the English Defence League (EDL) in Tower Hamlets on Saturday 3 September. The EDL is a violent racist organisation that seeks to vilify Muslim communities and damage community relations. Its planned march is designed to whip up fear and incite violence. We reject entirely the EDL and its anti-Muslim racism and we don’t see why the people of Tower Hamlets should pay for its march of hate. We are proud of Tower Hamlets, a vibrant multiracial area, which has a long and proud history of immigration and resistance to racism. From Cable Street in the 1930s, to Brick Lane in the 1970s and to Millwall in the 1990s, the people of Tower Hamlets have come together to see off racism and fascism before. We will now stand united against the racist and anti-Muslim EDL. We believe that everyone has the right to live in peace and without the fear of abuse or violence. We stand against all prejudice, whether it’s racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, sexism or homophobia. We oppose all extremism – from whatever quarter – and we recognise that extremism breeds extremism. We condemn the extremist EDL just as we condemn Islamist extremism. We say a plague on both their houses. We believe that the people of Tower Hamlets should be allowed to live without the threat of violence and fear. This is why we are standing together with the Muslim community against the hatred of the EDL and Islamophobia more generally. We believe in HOPE not hate. That is why we are calling on the authorities to ban the EDL march of hate."

Hope not hate

MEP's Ribble Valley home targeted by EDL protesters

A Conservative North West Euro MP said he was left fearing for his safety after a large group of English Defence League protesters descended on his family home.

Sajjad Karim said he felt intimidated and threatened when 35 protesters from the far-right extremist group turned up outside his house in Simonstone in the Ribble Valley on Saturday afternoon. The group of men and women carrying placards went into Mr Karim’s garden and began shouting abuse at him, before peering through his windows and filming his house at around 12.45pm.

Mr Karim, who was in the house with his wife, Zahida, and two children, 10-year-old Bilal, and Rabia, eight, at the time of the protest, said: “They were incredibly intimidating and they were all over my driveway and looking into my house. I had my family in the house and it is just disgusting that they were able to do this. My daughter has been left petrified.”

The protesters remained outside Mr Karim’s house for more than 20 minutes before they were escorted off the premises by police.

“I am being repeatedly targeted by these people and I am worried about my safety and that of my family when I am away from home. They know where I live and they now have video footage of my house which could end up on the internet,” he said.

Last year, Mr Karim said he was forced to hire a private security firm to guard his home 24 hours a day because of threats from members of far-right groups. He has also been bombarded with offensive emails over his stance on halal and kosher meat. And in the past his Ribble Valley home has also had ‘BNP’ daubed on it in graffiti.

Lancashire Police said they were investigating the incident.

Mr Karim, who represents the North West in the European Parliament, said there had been an ‘orchestrated’ campaign against him. He said: “These incidents are escalating and now they have the gall to turn up outside my house. I am being specifically targeted and the police need to take these threats seriously.”

Police confirmed that the protesters moved on to the Brierfield area after leaving Mr Karim’s house. Four people were arrested in Brierfield on suspicion of violent public disorder offences.

A post on the Blackburn Division EDL facebook page on Saturday described four ‘flash demos’ in the North West area, including one in Lancashire.

Lancashire Telegraph

'Cambridge is in the grip of terrorists'

Claims from far-right activists that Cambridge is in the grip of terrorists have been branded "outrageous".

Members of the Cambridge Division of the English Defence League (EDL), who are preparing for a march next Saturday, said Muslim “extremists” are “pervasive” in the city. They also defended accusations they are racist, saying “the Cambridge Division’s organiser’s best mate is black”.

The group is marching next Saturday in protest at the building of a mosque in Mill Road. The march will clash with Cambridge’s Big Weekend celebrations. Designs for the Islamic centre go before the city council’s design and conservation committee on Wednesday.

The EDL division’s website says: “The EDL Cambridge Division is a group of lads who have had enough of the Islamic extremists so pervasive in Cambridge. We are saying enough is enough and are making a stand. For too long Islamic terrorists have had Cambridge under their thumb, but no longer!”

The group also states Muslims “keep demanding the ‘right’ to apply for planning permission” to build mosques. The website says: “If we were in the countries these Muslims are from we would respect their way of life. No-one would build a church in say, India, and absolutely no one would practise Christianity in Saddam’s Iraq.”

In fact, 3 per cent of Iraqis are Christian and the faith is India’s third-largest religion. Both countries have Christian churches.

Mirza Baig, vice-chairman of Cambridge Muslim Council, told the News: “Although the Cambridge Division of EDL claims to be a non-racist group, the website is full of racist remarks. We support EDL when they condemn terrorism and radicalism. However, they very quickly jump on to condemning all Muslims. Unfortunately, they are doing it in the name of British culture. According to my understanding this is not the correct face of the British culture. While giving out a hate message, EDL forgets every fifth person in the world is Muslim.”

Cllr Lewis Herbert, a Labour city councillor who is organising a counter protest, branded the EDL branch’s claims contemptible – but warned the national group was a serious threat. He said: “There is no room in this city for stirring up hatred and the EDL haven’t any support in this city. The website actually shows what they really think about the right of people to have places of worship. Their claims are clearly outrageous.”

The website adds: “We are ready to take action against the terrorists wherever they strike in Cambridge.”

EDL leader Tommy Robinson was yesterday unavailable for comment but previously told the News he wants the march to be “peaceful” and that the group is “not racist”.

Cambridge News

Thanks to NewHound for the heads-up

Blackburn protests: Hit-and-run victim's family condemn EDL use of photo

The family of a grandmother killed in a hit-and-run have condemned the English Defence League for using her image on placards.

Freda Holt was one of several local faces used by 2,000 EDL protesters during Saturday’s town centre demonstration. The grandmother from Revidge Road, Blackburn, died after being knocked down by speeding unlicensed and uninsured driver Salim Chand last November.

Chand, 27, was jailed for nine years. The EDL said it was highlighting ‘hit-and-runs by Muslims’. But Freda’s husband Ray Holt, 72, said: “It would have been the very last thing Freda would have wanted. She was all about live and let live. She would have been absolutely horrified. As far as I am concerned he (Salim Chand) was an idiot driver. It's got nothing to do with him being a Muslim.

"I had no knowledge of it and nobody had approached me to ask. I was in the town centre on Saturday but fortunately left before the protest because I don't know what I would have done if I'd have seen her picture being used by the EDL.”

On Sunday, the family went to Mass and prayed for Freda and then put flowers on her grave at Pleasington Cemetery to mark what would have been her 71st birthday and Mother's Day.

Eldest son Richard, 45, said he was shocked when he realised on Monday what had happened. He said: “As a family all we wanted was justice for our mother regardless of race, colour or creed. The use of my mother’s picture was neither given permission for, or condoned, by us. My mother was a devout Catholic and would accept and help anyone, should they require it, which she had done countless times in her life. This is absolutely not what our mother stood for. As a family we do not wish to be linked in any way with EDL or any similar organisation.

Freda’s daughter Rachel Harling, from Rishton, said she has seen the picture on an EDL website and felt ‘quite sick’. She said: “It was nothing to do with race or religion. It could have been anyone behind the wheel.”

Paul Houston, the father of 12-year-old Amy Houston, whose image was another of those used by the EDL, has also distanced himself from ‘extremism’.

Blackburn Citizen

Ex-preacher condemned for links with 'terrible' EDL

This photograph shows Adrian Ratcliffe being licensed to serve in one of the most caring positions in our community – assistant chaplain at Pembury Hospital.

But groups across the community were this week moving to distance themselves – and condemn – the former preacher-turned-politician, whom the Courier can reveal is an activist with the far-right anti-Islamic English Defence League. On Facebook Mr Ratcliffe, of Greggswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, had a link to an offensive joke about strapping pork on to oneself and running into a mosque. The page also contains a picture depicting the Koran in a highly offensive light.

Mr Ratcliffe is the chairman of the Tunbridge Wells branch of the English Democrats party and told the Courier last year that he planned to stand for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in the elections this May .

Elsewhere on his home page, the 61-year-old grandfather made reference to "sending all Muslims back" and endorsed extremely insulting remarks made by others about the prophet Mohammed. The former preacher at St Philip's Church in Sherwood also made inflammatory remarks that English girls needed to be on the lookout for gangs of Islamic rapists.

Nasir Jamil, the first Muslim councillor on Southborough Town Council and president of the West Kent Muslim Association, said: "This is absolutely concerning for all Muslims in this area. We believe in Christianity as well. The church always teaches people to love one another and they spread love and that people should love their neighbours."

Mr Jamil added he understood Mr Ratcliffe was no longer linked to St Philip's but said the Church of England should review its policy in order to "screen" the views of any people holding positions within its ranks.

"If they are spreading hate instead of love then it is very shocking for the whole community and not just the Muslims," said Mr Jamil. "We are a very thin minority in this area and we live very peacefully and we don't interfere with other people's matters. We are very much part of the community. Most of the people who live here are doctors saving people's lives."

He said: "But for the last year and few months there have been some events happening that are really disturbing us and we certainly condemn them. We are very shocked. There was a very offensive article in Hildenborough village magazine and that was very shocking for us here and a second event was some graffiti saying "Kill Muslims" on a bridge in Maidstone.

"We have not taken any action apart from letting the police know. We don't want any conflict in this area because it is very peaceful. It is very hurtful and they are not helping community coherence. We are trying to integrate.

"I have set up a group Christian and Muslim friendship group and we try to understand each other and we meet together and eat together and talk. It is going very well from a Muslim side and a Christian side. I am trying to bring the communities together and these things are damaging my work."

Meanwhile, the vicar of St Philip's, the Rev Brian Senior said Mr Ratcliffe was a licensed reader, a volunteer lay position, from 2001 until 2007. He added: "I wish to completely disassociate myself and St Philip's from those of the English Defence League. Mr Ratcliffe expressed none of these views during the time when he was a member of the church."

Paul Bentley, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust's director of strategy and workforce confirmed Mr Ratcliffe had been assistant chaplain. He added: "We exist to serve every member of our communities. The trust abhors racist, sexist or religious discrimination. Any member of staff expressing such views would be subject to stringent disciplinary procedures."

Diocese of Rochester spokesman Louise Whiffin added: "We have nothing further to add to the Rev Brian Senior's comments regarding Adrian Ratcliffe. We would, however, wish to give assurances that the Diocese of Rochester values its good interfaith relationships and we welcome opportunities to build on these links. The new Bishop of Rochester has begun to meet with leaders of different faith communities to strengthen these relationships."

This is Kent

Thanks to NewsHound and Zaahid for the heads-up

Another EDL star in the making...

The symbol this bozo is ranting about seems to be a stylized version of Press TV's own logo. Or maybe it's just something drummed up by a creative somewhere to make the microphone look more dynamic or exciting. Or something. It's also similar, though not identical, to the symbol used by Oldham Council - which might explain why he's spotted it all over Oldham.

Either way, we at Lancaster Unity heartily support his mate's plea to have more mosques built in Mecca. That'll teach 'em. No, hang on a minute...

Thanks to NewsHound and a couple of Anons for the heads-up :-)

Carlisle man pleads guilty to theft and burning of Koran

A Carlisle man has today pleaded guilty to the theft and intentional burning of a holy Koran at Carlisle Magistrates court.

Andrew Leslie Ryan, 32, of Summerhill, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to the theft of the Koran from the Lanes Library and to setting fire to the book as he stood at Carlisle Cross outside the Old Town Hall in Carlisle City Centre, shortly after midday on Wednesday 19th January 2011.

After witnesses saw Ryan set fire to the book, police arrested him shortly afterwards and he was subsequently charged. He is set to appear in Carlisle Magistrates Court for sentencing on 14 April 2011.

The investigation was led by Temporary Detective Inspector Helen Harkins of Carlisle CID. She said: “Cumbria police will not tolerate any form of hate crime and any reports that we receive are investigated thoroughly so that the appropriate action can be taken. It is rare to see an incident like this on the streets of Cumbria and I hope that the positive action from police in this case reassures communities that we will tackle unacceptable behaviour.“

Cumbria Constabulary

St Ethelwold’s Church, Shotton, criticises BNP and EDL Islam centre opposition

A church leader has criticised the British National Party’s (BNP) leafleting campaign against the proposed Shotton Islamic centre.

St Ethelwold’s Church was pictured in the leaflet co-ordinated by BNP community councillor John Walker without authorisation. And vicar Rev Steven Green wants to make it clear the church does not support the far-right organisation’s opposition to the controversial plans.

Within the leaflet Cllr Walker said: “With declining church attendances and the local clergy falling over themselves to welcome other religions into the area, what future does Christianity have in Deeside?”

Mr Green said: “I would suggest the author of this letter should be better informed, as all the churches on Deeside work well together and are involved in many projects such as Fairtrade, community development and many other initiatives. The Christian communities are faithful and confident in their own faith, but that faith reflecting the love of Jesus seeks to welcome and offer hospitality. Church life on Deeside is in good heart, supported by loyal, faithful and generous Christians who stand for peace and tolerance on our streets and respect for all people of peace and goodwill.”

Mr Green also criticised the English Defence League’s town centre protest on Saturday.

“I find it difficult to believe such a demonstration has anything to do with the people of Deeside,” he said. “Deeside people are warm, generous and tolerant people who have witnessed and adapted to many changes over the last 30 years.”

The Flintshire Chronicle

Thanks to NewsHound for the heads-up

EDL woos Canada's Jewish far right

Tommy Robinson speaking at another English Defence League event recently

The leader of the extreme right-wing English Defence League has urged members of a militant Jewish group in Canada to fight against Islam "for freedom".

Tommy Robinson appeared by video link at a Jewish Defence League Canada rally in Toronto on Tuesday night. He told the audience of around 50 JDL supporters that Canadians must "wake up" to the "Islamisation" of their country. Mr Robinson said: "We're fighting for our children, we're fighting for our freedom. Islam stands fundamentally against everything we stand for."

It is thought Mr Robinson was first introduced to Meir Weinstein, national director of JDL Canada, by a mutual acquaintance and the pair have since spoken by telephone. Mr Weinstein is believed to have been attracted by the EDL's support for Israel. Last year the EDL launched a "Jewish division", encouraging members of the community to "lead the counter-Jihad fight in England".

An EDL pro-Israel rally outside the Israeli Embassy in London in October was supported by American rabbi Nachum Shifren.

But the Canadian Jewish Congress said the JDL invitation to Mr Robinson was "disappointing". Bernie Farber, CJC chief executive, said: "Islamic fundamentalism is a real threat. But fighting it with generalised hatred against Muslims, as does the EDL, is only a recipe for fuelling more conflict. We join with all the leading British Jewish organisations in condemning the intolerance and violence that the EDL represents."

The JDL has links with the extreme-right Kach movement, founded in New York by Rabbi Meir Kahane in the 1970s.

Last month 27-year-old Mr Robinson - whose real name is Steven Lennon - expressed his intentions to link the EDL with groups in Europe and North America. He has previously supported controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-Islam Freedom Party.

Promoting the event, JDL Canada said: "The outrageous intimidation of Tommy Robinson is nothing more than a politically motivated crime on the part of the British establishment. They don't like the truth that he speaks because it contradicts establishment policy. His treatment at the hands of the state shows that the people of Britain are already living in a tyranny. The EDL needs international support to help it support the values of freedom that Britain was once famous for. Now is the time to step forward and stop Political Islam. The British establishment is following the appeasement policies of Neville Chamberlain. We must revive the Winston Churchill policy of direct confrontation."

The Toronto-based Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid campaigned against Tuesday's event, with around 30 anti-Israel groups signing an open letter denouncing the rally. Outside the venue a number of protesters were arrested as police on horseback attempted to control the demonstrations.

Jewish Chronicle

Weekend marches: Counter march to ‘celebrate unity’

Leaders from Peterborough Trades Union Council (PTUC) have said they are marching to celebrate the unity and diversity of the city.

More than 40 people attended a public meeting held by the PTUC at the Town Hall last night to hear its reasons for holding a counter-march when the English Defence League (EDL) takes to the streets on Saturday afternoon. It comes as police confirmed that more than 250 local officers will take part in patrols of the city centre on the day.

The meeting heard from guest speakers: Harmesh Lakhanpaul, former Peterborough Racial Equality Council (PREC) director, Ghulam Shabbir, chairman of Peterborough Pakistan Community Association and Richard Rose, Cambridge branch coordinator of Unite Against Fascism.

Mr Lakhanpaul said the EDL were “dangerous”, with 55,000 supporters on social networking website Facebook and some of its previous marches resulting in violence. He said: “The EDL poses the greatest threat to community cohesion in Britain especially in areas that have had problems in the past. By demonstrating in those areas they seek a reaction from the local Muslim community which can lead to a new cycle of violence. It doesn’t take a very large number of people to come and provoke other people.”

He called for the march on Saturday to not be the end of the PTUC’s work, saying members should concentrate on lobbying the Home Office to ban future EDL marches and engage with those who have signed the Interfaith Statement at the Cathedral on Sunday.

Mr Shabbir claimed that consultation undertaken by the police and Peterborough City Council with various groups, including Muslim youths, had in his view portrayed the PTUC as troublemakers and aimed to keep people away from the counter-march. He said: “What they are saying is if you join the demonstration then you are going to cause the EDL to react negatively and if there is any trouble then it is you that is causing it and not the EDL.”

He criticised those who signed the Interfaith Statement, which does not condemn the EDL. He added: “If they are so for community cohesion why are people so afraid of coming out and saying ‘we are getting together against the EDL and condemn what they stand for’?”.

The PTUC march will start at 12 noon at Bishop’s Road car park, move along Rivergate and then arrive at the Key Theatre for its rally of live music and poetry from 1pm to 4pm.

There will also be guest speakers including Labour MEP for East of England Richard Howitt, PTUC president Ron Graves, Labour Parliamentary spokesman for Peterborough Ed Murphy and Adrian Clarke, Fire Brigades Union East of England regional secretary.

Peterborough Today

Bible event defiance in face of far-right march

A far-right group’s planned gathering outside a church will not disturb a marathon bible event, organisers vowed today.

The English Defence League (EDL) is planning to meet opposite Preston Minster, on Church Street, Preston, and walk to the Flag Market on Saturday November 27. While up to 1,000 members of the EDL assemble close to the church, a four-day bible reading event will be ongoing inside the church. Unite Against Fascism (UAF) has also applied to hold a similar event on the same day, in opposition to the EDL’s presence.

Throughout this week Fr Timothy Lipscomb, vicar of Preston, will be attending meetings to ensure everything possible is done to prevent any disruption. He said: “It won’t affect it because we won’t let them in to do anything to disturb it. There will be lots of people around, that’s a good thing because it will be well staffed. I will not condone people using religion for something which is absolutely not.”

Fr Lipscomb said he is confident the group’s message will largely fall on deaf ears in the city but fears ‘vulnerable people’ could be taken in. He said: “It undermines the confidence in the city and it is frightening for people who are vulnerable or are easily led. Those who are going through a bad time in life are more vulnerable to people who will bully them and frighten them. They are very clever in the way they do it.”

Preston Coun Salim Desai, who represents the Town Centre ward, said it will be the event inside the church which best represents the city. He said: “It is two extremes. On the one end, they are doing this march and on the other they are doing an all-night bible reading over the weekend. They will have different religions there taking part in readings from the New Testament. It is a multi-cultural event, it shows how the community here has come together, how integrated we are and how many dialogues there are. These people (EDL) are visitors who do not know what goes on in Preston. These people are so isolated and they have got no support or roots in Preston.”

Preston Council was due to meet yesterday evening to discuss the rally. A spokesman for the English Defence League was unavailable for comment.

Lancashire Evening Post

Thanks to NewsHound for the heads-up

EDL Walsall demo cancelled

The controversial English Defence League have called off a planned demonstration against a proposed mosque in Walsall after learning that the biggest single group opposed to the scheme are Muslims. George Makin reports.

The anti-Islamic EDL had announced they would hold a demonstration on June 19 against a scheme to build a new place of worship in Vicarage Close which had previously been denied planning permission by the Walsall council. Proposers of the development have announced their intention to appeal the decision.

The EDL’s proposed demonstration led to a joint statement by the leaders of all three party leaders on Walsall council, fearful of a repeat of violent clashes which have occurred at other EDL events, that the rightwing group was not wanted in the town.

During negotiations with police EDL organiser were surprised to learn the original planning application had been opposed by many Muslims in Walsall who claim there are enough mosques in the borough already.

The EDL are now planning for a demonstration in Dudley on June 19 and for another in Alum Rock in Birmingham at a later date.

The Stirrer

EDL's rooftop demo in Dudley

'No to the burka' (but yes to the balaclava, apparently)

Members of the English Defence League are staging a rooftop demo on the site of a proposed mosque in Dudley – just a month after their last protest brought the town centre to a standstill. One Stirrer blogger reports that there were violent outbursts last night, including hand to hand fighting between the EDL and the police.

The Stirrer understands that there are just four people on the roof, where the flag of St George and the Israeli flag are both flying – along with a banner saying “No Mosques”. One source told The Stirrer that the plan is for the demonstrators to remain for at least a week to show their opposition to the "Islamification" of the town. Apparently, they intend to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer five times a day.

News of the incident filtered through on The Stirrer Forum last night, and a group of around 30 EDL followers arrived in the area at about 11pm, apparently to gain access to the roof.

West Midlands Police report that all but four were dispersed, “following minor outbreaks of disorder.” They add that, “no arrests were made. One police officer and one local youth were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.”

Stirrer blogger Brendan King who lives nearby posted on The Stirrer Forum:

"The site of the proposed Mosque/commumity/sports centre has turned into a riot zone with 100s or more of white skinhead youths dressed in St George Flag T shirts and various other football type insignia.

"They have been rioting outside of my door and all along my street. The violent mobsters with EDL flags have been hand to hand fighting with the riot police - and running in every direction looking for a fight with Asian youths - but of whom I saw no sign.

"There have been riot police vans in my street and many dozens of riot police streaming out of them. There have been a number of helicopters with searchlights overhead and young white skinhead youths being rounded up and pushed into police vans after being arrested. I saw no Asian youths at all!

"My street and area has always been peacful and friendly...The shouts I heard from the EDL skinhead rioters was, 'If you build a Mosque we'll burn it down!'. And: 'Send all Muslims home!'"

Officers have cordoned off the area and are currently negotiating with the protestors and monitoring the situation. Hall Street remains closed this morning between Trindle Road and Dixons Green.

The Stirrer

The BNP unveil a 'serious piece of kit' - their 2010 Election manifesto

Porky Griffin talking crap, with a BNP nutter in a stupid outfit to add a little dignity

The British National Party unveiled its manifesto yesterday. Leader Nick Griffin said of the 90-page pamphlet: 'It's weighty - it's a serious piece of political kit, this.'

Headings include: 'Immigration: An Unparalleled Crisis which only the BNP can solve' and 'Counter Jihad: Confronting the Islamic Colonisation of Britain.' Key pledges include banning the burka and the building of further mosques in Britain. Elsewhere, the decline of pubs is explained thus: 'The indigenous British population has been ethnically cleansed and the new immigrant communities have no interest in maintaining that aspect of British culture.'

The launch was held in the Civic Centre in Stoke on Trent. The BNP considers the city something of a stronghold as it has nine seats on the council and is fielding three general election candidates in the area.

As he spouted on, Mr Griffin was flanked by a pasty-faced, pudding of a henchman dressed in a St George costume that looked like it had been hastily knocked up by his mum from a pair of old curtains - complete with chintzy tassled tie-backs - and what could have been an unloved saucepan for a helmet. Mr Griffin, presumably thinking this was a great stunt to pull, greeted the press by wishing them 'Happy St George's Day.' It might almost have all been comical were it not for the bile the BNP actually peddles.

Mr Griffin arrived in a maroon Range Rover. His 'security', two heavies wearing wrap-around dark glasses and ear-pieces, strutted around outside keeping an eye on a crowd of protesters who chanted 'Nazi scum'. Knowing they would attract this kind of attention, the BNP had kept the location of their manifesto launch a secret, revealing it only to 'invited guests'. But it did not take long for word to spread and after a brief game of cat and mouse the protesters soon got wind of where to go.

Among them was James Bethell, director of the anti-racist group Nothing British who have analysed the BNP's so-called policies. He described the new manifesto as 'a deluded and dangerous piece of racist ideology.' He said: 'The BNP simply don't have coherent answers to Britain's problems. They have worked up an economic policy which is based on pub room economics borrowed from Italian fascists.'

After giving his manifesto launch speech, Mr Griffin left with his 'St George'. When reporters asked the henchman in fancy dress if he felt silly, Mr Griffin butted in and asked them: 'Do you feel silly in a tie?'

That comment made about as little sense as everything else he said yesterday.

Daily Mail