East London Muslims protest at Donald Trump’s ‘no go’ attack
![Rally in Whitechapel against Donald Trump's claim of 'no go' areas [photos: Fokrul Amin]](https://images.cm.archant.co.uk/resource/image/3509140/landscape_ratio16x9/448/252/6306497a6ffa57e0e4fd39f098029a6c/rE/el-51-trump-protest-1.jpg)
Rally in Whitechapel against Donald Trump's claim of 'no go' areas [photos: Fokrul Amin] - Credit: E Lond Mosque
The Muslim community in London’s East End demonstrated today over attacks by American Republican party presidential candidate Donald Trump about “no go” areas in Britain.
Mayor John Biggs (centre) joins the solidarity rally - Credit: E Lond Mosque
They were joined by Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs with police and other community leaders for a show of “solidarity” outside the East London Mosque in the Whitechapel Road.
The protest followed Friday Prayers this-afternoon over their anger at Trump’s comments that Muslims should be banned from entering the United States to avoid creating “no go areas” he assumes are being created in places like London.
The mayor slammed Trump’s attack as “divisive” and wrong.
“We have a history of standing up to bigotry,” Mayor Biggs said.
Crowds at Whitechapel rally to show solidarity against Donald Trump's "no go" attack on London - Credit: E Lond Mosque
“It’s astonishing when someone who wants to be leader of the most powerful nation in the world comes out with such ignorance and stupid views.
“We need to stand up as a community in the East End.”
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The protesters also included activists from the United East End umbrella organisation of anti-racist groups as well as trade unions, faith leaders, Citizens UK and Met Police Det Supt Phil Langworthy.
East London Mosque director Dilowar Khan said: “Trump’s comments are incredibly misguided—there’s no such thing as ‘no go’ areas in London. We are united regardless of our differences.”
Among civic society leaders at the solidarity protest was Citizens UK’s Matthew Bolton, representing a national network of “people’s action” networks.
He told the rally: “Donald Trump’s comments are simply ludicrous.
“But it’s not the first time such accusations of division and tension have been made. That’s why we are joining our neighbours and friends at the East London Mosque, to show our solidarity and unity.”
He suggested Trump comes to east London and joins the community for a day to experience “the life of real Londoners”.
