EDL banned from marching through East End

Far-right group the English Defence League have been bannedfrom staging a planned demonstration in East London tomorrow (Saturday).

The Home Office agreed to the ban after receiving a request from the Metropolitan Police, who were concerned about a planned march through Waltham Forest.

Policing Minister Damien 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.”

The decision was taken in order to prevent EDL members from moving their demonstration to nearby boroughs. Tower Hamlets has been the scene of several controversial protests by the far-right organisation in recent years.

Demonstrators are instead being required to limit their protest to a one hour slot on Saturday outside the Houses of Parliament.

Speaking ahead of the planned demonstration, chief superintendent Peter Terry said: “We have made this decision based on specific intelligence and information, and our message is clear, we do not want people coming into the areas to attend these events.”