UK far right groups countered by anti-fascists

Mohamed Walji
Press TV, London

The British offshoot of the German anti-Islam group Pegida held its first demonstration in London. The organizers said they wanted to raise awareness of the threat of so-called radical Islam and mass immigration in to the country. In the end less than 100 supporters turned up outside Downing Street and were largely eclipsed by their opposition.

Hundreds of anti fascist protesters are staging a counter demonstration against the emerging racist Pegida movement in the UK. Police are standing between the groups as tensions begin to escalate.

Elsewhere in Britain another demonstration was held by the far right wing group the English Defence League. Hundreds of members marched through Oxford, and tensions boiled over as scuffles ensued between the EDL and anti fascist groups that had staged a counter demonstration. The protest led to three arrests with a police officer sustaining injuries.

With two anti Muslim demonstrations being held on the same day it’s clear the level of Islamophobia in the UK is a serious concern.