Pic: Gavin Lynn (English Defence League)
The EDL have been banned from marching in Walthamstow and elsewhere in north-east London for 30 days. However the far-right group have been permitted to march outside the Houses of Parliament from 1-2pm on Saturday 27.
The ban prevents all marches in Waltham Forest and neighbouring boroughs including Tower Hamlets, Islington and Newham.
In addition, static demonstrations have also been banned in the Walthamstow area under section 14 of the Public Order Act.
The EDL facebook page commented on the new marching location.
It said: “This a prime spot for the EDL to get their message out.”
Policing minister Damian Green said: “Having carefully considered the legal tests and balanced rights to protest against the need to ensure local communities and property are protected, I have given my consent to a ban on all marches in Waltham Forest and three nearby boroughs for a 30-day period.
“I know the Metropolitan Police are committed to using their powers to ensure communities and properties are protected.”
Leader of the Labour Group in Tower Hamlets, Cllr Joshua Peck told EastLondonLines: “In Tower Hamlets we are proud of our mixed community and our history of unity, those who preach hate have no place in our borough.”
Waltham Forest Cllr Thom Goddard tweeted: “This Saturday’s #EDL march through Waltham Forest, and all static protests, have been banned by Theresa May. Excellent.”
Police arrested 53 ‘EDL supporters’ on Saturday 20 October in connection with Saturday’s planned march.
The bulk of the arrests were for Conspiracy to Cause a Public Nuisance. One person was remanded in custody while the remaining 52 were released on conditional police bail until the end of November.
Theresa May also blocked the group from marching last year. May said all rallies, not just those by the EDL, are banned, to protect “communities and property”.
