ORGANISERS of an anti-fascist march have pledged to go ahead with an event in the East End this weekend despite MP Rushanara Ali request for them to cancel. Weyman Bennett, the joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism said the march from Stepney to Whit

ORGANISERS of an anti-fascist march have pledged to go ahead with an event in the East End this weekend despite MP Rushanara Ali request for them to cancel.

Weyman Bennett, the joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism said the march from Stepney to Whitechapel will go ahead on Sunday despite the far-right English Defence League's decision to cancel their own event.

He said: "We welcome Rushanara Ali's commitment to challenging prejudice and building unity in the East End. We believe our demonstration on Sunday will do just that, by bringing together people from all communities in a peaceful and positive celebration of the East End's rich multicultural society.

"Thousands of local people from all faiths and none will be coming together on Sunday. While we respect Rushanara Ali's views on this matter, we believe now is the time for all of us to come together in unity - and we invite her to join our celebration next Sunday."

Earlier Ms Ali who is the new Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow said: "I know the strength of feeling on all sides of the community has been running high, and welcome the continuing commitment of so many to challenging prejudice and building unity in the East End. Whilst I recognise the sentiments of so many in the anti-fascist movement, I join with others in asking them to also call off their march.