The EDL cannot be allowed to spread violence to Tower Hamlets

By Rushanara Ali MP

You may have heard by now that the English Defence League is planning to march through Tower Hamlets on September 3rd. I’ve joined anti-racism group Hope Not Hate to campaign against the EDL coming to our borough and for the continuation of the community spirit, tolerance and peace which exists across Tower Hamlets.

The English Defence League is a racist organisation, which spreads intolerance and violence everywhere it goes. We have seen violent clashes at EDL marches in Oldham, Stoke, Leicester and Portsmouth amongst others. They are planning to march along Whitechapel Road directly past the East London Mosque. There could be nothing more incendiary to the local Muslim community.

A month ago I, along with local residents, called on Theresa May and the police to ban the march.

Now, in the aftermath of the terrible riots we have seen across London, it is more important than ever that we stop this march going ahead, and continue the spirit of solidarity and community with which people in Tower Hamlets faced the rioters.

In Parliament yesterday, I reiterated my request to the Prime Minister to ban the proposed march and if necessary change the law to these preachers of hate trying to stir up trouble in our midst.

Hope Not Hate have organised a petition to call on Theresa May to ban the march. We will be going out across Tower Hamlets tomorrow (Saturday) in the spirit of tolerance to urge residents to sign the petition. I asked the Prime Minister to help us to ban the march and he has agreed to meet with me to discuss this.

Please sign the petition to help us keep Tower Hamlets a place of peace and tolerance.

If you are available to help us on Saturday, we will be out all day, going door-to-door to get as many petitions as possible from local residents. If you can spare even an hour it will make a huge difference. If you can spare the time, please email [email protected] for further details.