EDL march organiser defends protest against 'Islamization of Bristol'

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - THE ORGANISER of a planned march of the controversial English Defence League has defended the group's decision to stage a protest in Bristol.

Mickey Bayliss said the group was committed to a peaceful demonstration against what he claimed was the "Islamification of Bristol".

The 48-year-old farmer, from Upton Cheyney, near Bitton, stressed that the group had no intention of marching through St Paul's and told the Post he had been working closely with the police and the council to ensure a trouble-free protest.

He also dismissed claims that marching on the day of a gay pride festival in the city was a provocative move.

"We were given this day by the council, as initially the march clashed with the harbour festival," said the Bedminster-born activist.

"The last thing we want to do as an organisation is cause any trouble.

"On the day I think there is going to be a lot of support from both sides – for and against the EDL – but we will work hard to maintain a peaceful demonstration."

Mr Bayliss said he estimated about 500 of the organisation's supporters would march on July 14.

He said that any trouble that flared as a result of alcoholism or drugs, or any racist chanting, would be identified and reported to the police.

He said trouble-makers would be arrested and removed from the march.

Mr Bayliss denied accusations that the EDL preached fear and hate, claiming instead that it was a tolerant organisation.

He said: "Unfortunately we are being painted as a racist group, but we are clearly not. In any group you have a rogue element, but most of us just want to protest peacefully.

Mr Bayliss said the EDL was not targeting Bristol in particular, although he did express concerns about the city.

He said: "There's been a few incidents involving Islamic centres springing up around the city and also more mosques.

"We are against the extreme Islamist terrorism and Sharia law and people who preach hate and terror.

"We are also against the Islamification of Bristol."

Mr Bayliss claimed that the EDL itself had been the subject of threats and abuse since announcing the decision to march in Bristol, and said that while delivering leaflets in Kingswood, a concrete slab was dropped though his windscreen.

Bristol Labour Party issued a statement last night backing calls from Muslim community leaders urging people to stay away from the Redcliffe area during the EDL march.

Easton ward city councillor Faruk Choudhury said: "Community leaders are asking Muslim families, especially young people, not to get involved in any kind of counter EDL demonstration on the day.

"We appreciate that it is hard for local Muslim residents to hear the message of hate from the EDL demonstrators. But we are urging everyone to take responsible action.

"The police and the council constantly assure us that they are taking every step to ensure public safety."

/129