Plans Finalised For EDL Demonstration

The English Defence League is forging ahead with its plans for a demonstration on Saturday 23rd February, but will no longer be marching.

Cambridge edl supermosque UAF

The EDL is no longer planning to march through Cambridge, but its East Anglian branch will instead hold an assembly on Christ’s Pieces from 2-4pm this Saturday.

The EDL’s spokesperson has made some bizarre comments praising the eco-friendly nature of the planned ‘supermosque’, whilst re-stating the organisation’s objection to the building, saying: “Although this will be an environmentally friendly mosque, which we are somewhat pleased about, this distracts from the fact that there will be the capacity to hold 1,000 worshippers. This is a substantial amount of people and during the month of Ramadan we will see these worshippers attending mosque up to five times a day, two of which being at sunset and sunrise.

“We would like to reassure the residents of Cambridge that we are not coming to cause disruption but merely to highlight the silenced opposition to the building of this mosque in Mill Road.There have already been huge concerns raised by the residents around the current mosque, claiming that they have been threatened by worshippers when complaining about noise and illegal parking.”

An artist’s impression of the ‘supermosque’ exterior

The United Against Fascism group will, however, march through Cambridge in opposition to the EDL. Police have worked closely with the Cambridge City Council to ensure that the UAF march’s route will not converge with the EDL, in a bid to avoid the violent clashes which are often features of EDL protests.

A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Cambridgeshire (MCC) said: “Our message to everyone is to stay calm on the day and away from any sort of violence.

“The MCC deplores the cynical attempt by the EDL and its spokespeople to stoke up fear and hatred in the heartland of our peaceful communities of the city of Cambridge.

“The EDL’s protests/ marches not only wreak havoc in towns and neighbourhoods across the country, they threaten to rent asunder the very fabric of our common society.”

He also urged Muslim youth to stay away from the demo, adding: “Stay safe by staying at home and avoiding the areas of the EDL march/ protest. Do not go out to the city centre alone. If you or someone else is in danger, immediately call the police on 999.”