Ban London march by far-Right extremists linked to killer, say MPs

The Government was today urged to ban a far-Right demonstration by the group praised by Norwegian killer Anders Breivik.

The English Defence League is planning an anti-Islam protest in September in Tower Hamlets.

The Standard yesterday revealed links between the EDL and Breivik, who was in contact with members of the group in the days before Friday's bombing and shooting spree in which 76 people were killed. Breivik was told he would be welcome at the EDL's protests and replied: "You're a blessing to all in Europe".

EDL march organisers have released an online message to members calling on them to take "our message into the heart of militant Islam within our own country".

The message continues: "The last two years of demonstrations could arguably have been dress rehearsals for this one. We will go where we want, when we want." MPs and activists today called on the Government to investigate the EDL's links to violent extremism.

Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Any thinking person is going to be worried that someone like Breivik has been in touch with the EDL. The march will affect public order. It's better if the EDL didn't come to the East End. They should keep out."

Nick Lowles, of anti-fascist organisation Searchlight, said: "It is inconceivable after the events of the weekend and the evidence of links between Breivik and the EDL that the planned march through Tower Hamlets can proceed… We call on the Home Office to ban this provocative demonstration."

A Met spokeswoman said they were aware the EDL planned to stage a national march on 3 September and another in Waltham Forest on 30 July. She said that "appropriate and proportionate policing plans will be in place" and there were no plans to ask for the event to be banned.

A millionaire computer engineer who has admitted funding the EDL today appeared to confirm the existence of the Knights Templar group described by Breivik in the manifesto he emailed to contacts shortly before the killings. Breivik claimed to have attended a meeting of the Knights Templar in London in April 2002. In a posting on his forum Alan Lake, 45, distanced himself from Breivik but says there were "attempts" to involve him in the Knights Templar, which he resisted.
London Evening Standard