Birmingham EDL demonstration planned for Saturday October 11

The English Defence League is planning another controversial demonstration in Birmingham city centre next weekend.

The far-right group brought chaos to the city last summer, which led to violent scenes along Broad Street.

Now they plan to return to Birmingham on Saturday, October 11, with police seeking talks with those involved ‘to plan for a safe and peaceful event’.

Around 2,000 supporters of the EDL arrived for the demo on July 20 2013, which sparked a counter demonstration by the Unite Against Fascism in nearby Chamberlain Square.

Windows were smashed, cobbles torn up and fences around the unfinished Library Of Birmingham were demolished during the day.

Policing the two demonstrations had cost West Midlands Police more than £1 million.

Now the EDL is planning to return to the city, with a statement on the group’s social media pages saying it has been arranged in the wake of Trojan Horse allegations involving Birmingham schools.

One message said: “Exact times, muster points, and demonstration area will be published a week or so before, but it will definitely be in Birmingham city centre and it’s 100 per cent on. West Midlands division’s will be there in our masses.”

A counter demonstration has also been organised by anti-fascist groups.

Do you want the EDL to demonstrate in our city?
YES: They have a right to demonstrate and should be allowed
NO: I don't want groups like the EDL in our city

A Facebook page entitled We are Birmingham - Don’t let the racists divide us, has been launched along with the plan for a demonstration on the same day.

A message on the page says: “The English Defend League are NOT welcome in Birmingham. Join us to show Birmingham is united Against racism and fascism.”

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police told the Mail: “West Midlands Police is aware that the English Defence League plan to stage a demonstration in Birmingham on Saturday October 11.

"At this stage of planning there are no confirmed locations or times however the force is seeking to work with those involved in the event to plan for a safe and peaceful event for all concerned.”

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