The Bradford Council For Mosques has issued a strongly worded statement expressing its objection to the proposed demonstration in the city next month by the English Defence League.
The statement follows news that all of the leaders of Bradford Political Groups have also spoken out against the demonstration proposed for the 28th August. Councillor Ian Greenwood; Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We have listened to the views of a wide range of local groups about the English Defence League’s (EDL) plans to come to Bradford. The Council by itself has no powers to ban such an event without the consent of the Home Secretary. In these circumstances, we are asking the Home Secretary for this consent.”
The statement from the Council For Mosques is as follows:
“All communities in Bradford must unite to say that EDL or other organisations of its type are not wanted in Bradford. We remain united in our determination to keep racist and fascist elements out of neighbourhoods and our city.”
Bradford Council for Mosques is working closely with Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, and Bradford District Faith Forum and voluntary organisations in the city to as the statement stipulates “make people aware of EDL tactics and to encourage all Bradfordians to show a cold shoulder to EDL. As a city we cannot fall prey to EDL propaganda and give strength to EDL agenda.”
Khadim Hussain, the President of Bradford Council for Mosques said “Some people may think that EDL is only targeting Muslims and they therefore they should not get involved. EDL is against everyone who does not fit into their misguided and false definition of what constitutes Britishness. Therefore, let us work together-Muslim, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, Jews, humanists- to say to EDL: We are not interested in your type of politics.”
