MP calls for anti fascist group to call off East End march

ANTI fascist campaigners are to go ahead with a march in the East End on Saturday. Unite Against Fascism has pledged to walk from Stepney Green Park to Altab Ali Park to celebrate diversity in the East End despite a call from Bethnal Green and Bow MP s R

ANTI fascist campaigners are to go ahead with a march in the East End on Sunday.

Unite Against Fascism has pledged to walk from Stepney Green Park to Altab Ali Park to celebrate diversity in the East End despite a call from Bethnal Green and Bow MP's Rushanara Ali to call the event off.

The march was originally planned in opposition to the far-right English Defence League's planned East End march on Sunday. Their event was called off after Sunday's sold out controversial Islamic conference on 'The Book That Shook the World' was cancelled at the Troxy in Stepney.

Ms Ali said: "I welcome the English Defence League's decision to cancel their divisive march, which posed such a threat to the good relations that we have between people in this constituency. I have spent the last few days working with the community, the Council, Tower Hamlets Police, and the Home Office to ensure that any attempts to sow the seeds of extremism and disrupt public order, met with a united response.

"I understand the Troxy's decision to cancel this event, and whilst it may have helped to defuse the situation, I want to ensure that lawful events in the East End are able to go ahead without being affected by extremists of any kind.

"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.