Post date: May 25, 2013 4:10:4 PM
Under heavy police guard, the anti-Islamist English Defence League staged a protest in Newcastle as opponents of the group held a counter demonstration.
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (MAY 25, 2013) (ITN) - Supporters of the anti-Islamist English Defence League gathered for a protest march in the north-eastern city of Newcastle on Saturday (May 25).
When the demonstration was originally planned, it was intended as a protest against the creation of an Islamic school in the west end of the city. But the focus shifted after soldier Lee Rigby was brutally killed in London by a man who claimed to be acting in revenge for British wars in Muslim countries.EDL supporters carried St. George's flags with slogans like "Rest in Peace, Lee Rigby" and "This is England, Support our Troops, No more Mosques".
Spokesman Tommy Robinson said the organisation was protesting against militant Islam.
"I don't think anyone's got their finger on the undercurrent, on the pulse in this country to feel the anger, and frustration, the inability by the Islamic community to confront these extremists, to confront Jihad, to confront Sharia. What are they doing about it? We're angry, we want them to act, we want to see something done, we want to see light at the end of the tunnel. This is going to happen again. This has been a slow progression from spitting at our troops in Luton, to burning our poppies to beheading our troops. There needs respect in this country for our armed forces. And we haven't got it. And we have got no leader that is going to even put it there."
The EDL was originally formed in response to a protest by a small group of radical Muslims who shouted slogans at British soldiers during a homecoming parade in Luton, to the north of London. Since its founding the group has staged numerous marches and demonstrations across England.
Critics say the EDL represents a new far right n Britain and the group's rallies have often ended in violent confrontations with anti-fascist organisations.
Anti-fascists in Newcastle held a peaceful counter protest.
A resident explained that people of different backgrounds were living together peacefully and the EDL was not welcome.
"I live in the west end of Newcastle, a very mixed cultural area. It's a place where there is no problems whatsoever. Everybody gets along. People work, people pay their taxes. And then you've got people coming from another place full of hatred."
Politicians from Britain's mainstream parties have all called for calm and unity after the Woolwich murder.