A proposed march by right-wing campaign group the English Defence League (EDL) has been banned after an intervention by the Home Secretary. The group planned to demonstrate in Bradford next Saturday. In opposition, Unite Against Fascism planned a counter-protest on the same day. But following concerns raised by West Yorkshire Police and Bradford City Council about the potential for trouble, Theresa May issued a blanket ban on all marches in the city on that day. It means both groups will still be entitled to conduct "static protests" – something police expect to happen – but neither will be allowed to march through the city.
A Home Office spokesman said that in coming to her decision Ms May had "carefully balanced rights to protest against the need to ensure local communities and property are protected". The proposed demonstration raised fears of serious disorder in the city and a possible repeat of the devastating 2001 riots, which resulted in 297 arrests. Concerns were first raised by West Yorkshire Police's Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison, who said the events would be "disruptive to residents of Bradford". Sir Norman asked the council to back his suggestion that the march be banned. It did, and yesterday Ms May acceded to the request. Her decision came after a 10,000-signature petition opposing the EDL march was handed to the Home Office earlier this week.
It is only the third time in five years that a Home Secretary has agreed to ban a march. Both of the previous two instances related to planned demonstrations in Luton. One was an intended march by the EDL on the August bank holiday weekend last year, while the other related to a National Front event in 2006.
