Anti-fascist protestors clashed with the English Defence League (EDL) in Birmingham for a second time in as many months as the demonstration against Islamic extremism was met with resistance leading to 90 arrests.The protest in Birmingham city centre on Saturday 5th September was organised by EDL against what they perceive as the growing ‘Islamification’ of the UK and the threat of Islamic fundamentalism. A previous demonstra­tion in August by the group was met with a counter-demonstration organised by Unite Against Fascism who incited the crowd, made up of largely Asian youth, to ‘smash the BNP’ despite the British National Party (BNP) having no connection with the demonstration.The counter protest on Saturday was hastily organised by the Socialist Workers Party with a smaller turn-out, but still ended in violence as a larger group of EDL supporters confronted the left-wing protestors.The English Defence League is a network of ex-football hooligans who came together as a response to the returning forces parade in Luton being attacked by Islamic extremists. Many on the left still think of EDL as a right-wing fascist group with links to the BNP, despite the constant denials by EDL to the contrary. The BNP have also publicly distanced themselves from EDL banning its members from being involved in the organisation.Others feel the left’s response to EDL actually increases racial tension in the area allowing genuine pro-fascist groups like the BNP to benefit.

Anti-fascist protestors clashed with the English Defence League (EDL) in Birmingham for a second time in as many months as the demonstration against Islamic extremism was met with resistance leading to 90 arrests.

The protest in Birmingham city centre on Saturday 5th September was organised by EDL against what they perceive as the growing ‘Islamification’ of the UK and the threat of Islamic fundamentalism. A previous demonstra tion in August by the group was met with a counter-demonstration organised by Unite Against Fascism who incited the crowd, made up of largely Asian youth, to ‘smash the BNP’ despite the British National Party (BNP) having no connection with the demonstration.

The counter protest on Saturday was hastily organised by the Socialist Workers Party with a smaller turn-out, but still ended in violence as a larger group of EDL supporters confronted the left-wing protestors.

The English Defence League is a network of ex-football hooligans who came together as a response to the returning forces parade in Luton being attacked by Islamic extremists. Many on the left still think of EDL as a right-wing fascist group with links to the BNP, despite the constant denials by EDL to the contrary. The BNP have also publicly distanced themselves from EDL banning its members from being involved in the organisation.

Others feel the left’s response to EDL actually increases racial tension in the area allowing genuine pro-fascist groups like the BNP to benefit.