Right-wing protest march plan sparks outrage (From This Is Lancashire)

Right-wing protest march plan sparks outrage

6:30am Wednesday 27th January 2010 in

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A right-wing protest group is planning to march through Bolton in a move that was last night slammed by faith and community leaders.

The English Defence League, which describes itself as a peaceful protest group against Islamic extremism, plans to march through the town centre on Saturday, March 6.

Its previous protests have been marred by violence, and more trouble broke out as the group marched in Stoke on Trent last weekend.

News of the planned Bolton protest has sparked widespread outrage across the town.

Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon, who signed a statement condemning the EDL’s march in Manchester in October, urged people to remain calm. He said: “It is very disappointing but I would urge Bolton’s ethnic community, and those who have recently arrived in the town, to stay calm and not get involved in a confrontation which could result in violence.”

The Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Matt Thompson, said people had a democratic right to protest.

But he added: “I am sure their views are not shared by the broad population of Bolton. We have a very good record in this town of mutual respect and understanding between different faiths and ethnicities.”

A spokesman for the Bolton Interfaith Council Executive said: “Bolton Council and many groups and communities in Bolton have worked hard for peaceful and friendly relations in our town.

“Bolton Interfaith Council discourages any activity which would undermine that good work.”

The Bolton Against Racism group has urged the EDL to drop its plans.

A spokesman said: “We deplore the the damage to good community relations that a march of the EDL would have in Bolton.”

Bolton Council said it was considering its next move.

A spokesman said: “We are working with the police to determine an appropriate response and our next course of action.”

The EDL was founded in June last year and originated from a group named the United Peoples of Luton which was formed in response to a protest by two Islamist groups at a march by Royal Anglian Regiment troops returning from the war in Afghanistan.

It presents itself as being multi-ethnic and multi-faith and states that it opposes only jihadists — someone who supports jihad or holy war — not all Muslims.

However, critics of the group say it has attracted individuals with links to extremist right-wing groups.

A number of Boltonians have been arrested at its protests across the country.

On Saturday, an 18-year-old from Blackrod was among 17 people arrested at the EDL’s demo in Stoke-on-Trent.

Police have been informed of a planned march.

No one from the EDL was available for comment yesterday.

andrew.greaves@ theboltonnews.co.uk