From the Independent online:
The English Defence League plans to field candidates for the first time in local elections after an alliance is finalised between the far-right group and the British Freedom Party, which was set up by disgruntled members of the British National Party.
Senior figures said that the EDL, which has become known for its protests in English towns with Muslim populations, needed to “detoxify” its name by moving into politics with an existing party. Their new partners hope to capitalise on the EDL’s ability to mobilise a large number of supporters.
Both groups will retain a measure of independence but will support each other. EDL members will be invited to join the newly affiliated political wing and stand as candidates under its name. “There is a gentleman’s agreement in place, we are looking at the EDL becoming political early next year,” said Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, the leader of the far-right group. Mr Yaxley-Lennon, who also goes by the name Tommy Robinson, confirmed he had met the British Freedom Party leader Paul Weston and that discussions were at an advanced stage…
Comments
NOV
Typical of the Indy to end the article with 172, the number of EDL members arrested at the group’s last march, on Whitehall in London.
Without mentioning that all but three were released without charge in what was surely a horrifying example of political policing.
Well done to Paul (and others) who made this happen. Griffin has thrown a wobbly about it which must be good news, and with coverage like this BF could be catapulted into the fore of British right-wing politics.
PS. Liked the way Paul described himself as a classical liberal in the recent tv interview. Bet they didn’t expect that.