EDL planning protest in Manchester

Manchester Evening News reports that the far-right English Defence League is planning a demonstration in the city on 2nd March. According to the paper, “more than 500 people have vowed to attend the march”.

It adds that when the EDL visited Manchester city centre in 2009, they were faced with a counter-demonstration held by Unite Against Fascism and “the two sides were involved in a five-hour face-off and separated by riot police” with “some 48 people arrested.” According to the paper, policing the march cost the local council £800,000. The EDL also protested in nearby Hyde last year. At the time, Greater Manchester Police considered applying for a ban due to fears it would spark unrest.

The report cites a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police, who said the force is “currently in the process of starting dialogue with the organisers” in preparation for the March protest. And a  spokesperson for the council said of the EDL’s plan to march in the city: “there is no place in modern Manchester for this racist thuggery. They certainly won’t be welcome in our city.”

In addition to the proposed march in Manchester, the EDL are planning protests in Newcastle and Cambridge in the coming months.