The English defence league: Challenging our country and our values of social inclusion, fairness and equality

Abstract

This report focuses on the English Defence League (EDL) and asks whether the organisation poses a threat to our country and our values of social inclusion, fairness and equality.This report demonstrates clearly that the English Defence League does not represent the values which underpin our communities and our country: respect for our fellow citizens, respect for difference, and ensuring the safety and peace of communities and local areas.On the contrary, actions by the EDL have led to fear within communities and a sense that they are 'under siege' and under the media and national 'spotlight'.Many within these communities feel that the peace and tranquillity which they deserve has been broken up by the EDL, whose main aim is to increase tension, raise hate and increase community division by the use of intimidating tactics.These are not the actions of a group 'working against extremism'.These are the actions of extremists in their own right, masquerading as a grass roots social force, supposedly bringing their brand of community resilience against 'Muslim extremism'.It is essential to inoculate communities against the toxins that are being injected into these areas by the EDL and other extremist groups like Al-Muhajiroun.Letting these groups go unchecked destroys what we stand for and damages our image globally.This report has been put together in partnership with Professor Nigel Copsey and we hope that it activates social action against those who seek to divide our communities.These organisations have no place in our modern and dynamic society and should be consigned to where they belong: out of the mainstream and away from any points of influence.