EDL leader Tommy Robinson has insisted Saturday’s memorial march will be peaceful, silent and not alcohol-fuelled.
The 30-year-old from Luton hit back at Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning’s view that the event, in memory of drummer Lee Rigby who was hacked to death in London last week, would not be peaceful. Mr Robinson said: “This is a walk of respect, it’s nothing else.
“We are not saying we are marching about Islam, we want this to be a day of mourning across the country. I would tell people to have no concerns, there is nothing to worry about, as long as other groups don’t wish to attack us. This has been organised by us but the majority of people coming out are just members of the public. We wish to lay flowers and mark our respect for a fallen hero.”
A counter-demonstration group has also been set up to hold peaceful ‘anti-racist, anti-fascist’ protest in the town on the day. {http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/community/counter-edl-demonstration-to-show-unity-against-racism-and-fascism-1-5145356|For more, click here.}
For more about Saturday’s memorial march, {http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/community/edl-are-on-the-march-1-5142293|click here}
UPDATE: A spokesman for Herts Police said: ““We know that members of the community could be concerned but we would reassure people that the force is liaising with the organiser of the event and will have plans in place to ensure there is minimal disruption to the town centre so the local community of Hemel Hempstead can continue as normal whilst this takes place.
“Local officers are also working with key members of the community in order to provide reassurance and support as necessary.”