The controversial Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) was backed by Tower Hamlets cabinet members as a “progressive organisation” deserving of council support.
Independent Cllr Alibor Choudhury praised the group for providing stewards at the anti-fascist demonstrations against far right group the English Defence League (EDL).
The IFE has previously been accused in a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary of “infiltrating” politics in Tower Hamlets.
But at Wednesday evening’s meeting, Cllr Choudhury called for members to “accept the IFE as a progressive organisation which we shall aim to engage” in a motion opposing the EDL.
Speaking for the Labour group, councillor Rachael Saunders said she had “very little knowledge of the IFE” and “no idea whether to support it”, and the amendment was not passed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here