What is the English Defence League?

The English Defence League (EDL) is a group of racist thugs and football hooligans with links to the Nazi British National Party (BNP).

EDL supporters claim the organisation is “peaceful” and non-racist.

But along with its sister organisations in Wales and Scotland, the EDL wants to destroy multiculturalism and blames Muslims for every problem in our society.

EDL supporters have been photographed making Nazi salutes.

During their march in London two weeks ago they shouted, “Fuck off Pakis” at a group of Asian students who joined a counter-protest.

Leading BNP members and supporters, including Chris Renton and Davy Cooling, are central to EDL organisation.

Alan Lake, the man at the heart of the EDL, actively supports street violence.

He told a conference of Swedish far right activists, “We’re trying to reach out to more physical groups like football fans.

“These are people who are happy to go out on the street.

“Everybody else is scared of being beaten up and attacked. They’re not scared of that.”

In February EDL spokesperson “Tommy Robinson” said “We cannot rule out violence” when referring to the protest in Bolton.

Jeff Marsh, Welsh EDL organiser, was sentenced on Thursday of last week for causing an affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

UNITE AGAINST FASCISM PROTESTS AGAINST THE EDL

• Saturday 20 March – Bolton
• Saturday 3 April –Dudley
• Sunday 30 May – Bradford

Go to www.uaf.org.uk for more details