EDL march: We don’t want protesters here, say Wellington town leaders

Councillors, businesses and religious figures have called for the far-right group to stay away on Saturday amid concerns that its rally will cause further harm to victims of child sexual exploitation.

But the EDL said it was protesting against the ‘feeble, irresponsible and craven’ responses to grooming and abuse in the area.

EDL members will begin their march in Wellington at about 1pm. Counter protestors will also be in the area.

A joint statement signed by councillors, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Telford Unity Forum, Wellington LA21, the Rev Tim Carter of All Saints, Wellington, and Telford Muslim Forum said the march would not provide answers for victims or survivors.

They wrote: “As a strong united community we would ask the EDL and any other group to stay away from Wellington.

“The disruption to everyday business and the everyday lives of the law-abiding majority is unwanted and unwelcome.

“Our community is entirely aware of the despicable crimes that have taken place here and fully support the victims and survivors. We are absolutely united in our condemnation of those crimes and totally determined to establish what has gone on and how we can make sure it won’t happen again.”

"We are also committed to working together to rebuild trust and confidence in our town and pride in our community. We don’t need any group to march here, cause a disturbance and tell us what we already know.

"Ultimately the march will not answer a single question for the victims nor will it help convict a single criminal, neither will it serve to bring communities together.”

Deep concern

A group of 27 religious leaders from churches across Telford & Wrekin said the march would further split the community.

They wrote: "We wish to express our deep concern at the march of the English Defence League that is about to happen in the town.

"The EDL believes that it stands for traditional, British, Christian values and this is something which we unambiguously refute in that a clearly racist ideology that deliberately seeks to fuel religious hatred stands in complete opposition to the desire of Jesus Christ that the world should be united in the love of the God who created all nations, creeds and colours.

"At a time of great community fear and concern, we believe that the march that is due to take place has the potential to bring increased tension and division in the town and so we call upon the EDL to cancel the event out of respect for the well-being of Telford.

"We stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends and members of other faiths in believing this but should the march take place, we would urge our fellow citizens to ignore the march and the poisonous views being proclaimed."

A spokesman for the EDL said: "The local councillors want peace and quiet when there is no peace and when the cries and screams of the girls demand a robust response.

"In our democratic society street protests like ours are peaceful and legitimate ways to project a message. We make no apology for using all peaceful and legitimate avenues within our reach.

"We are sticking up for the girls of England – the next generation of English mothers."