WORCESTER’s Labour chief and former city council leader has called for a proposed march by the far-right English Defence League in September to be banned.
Coun Adrian Gregson said the proposed event on September 1 should be axed and slammed the group for ‘inciting hatred within communities’.
The EDL have revealed their intention to take to the city’s streets again this Autumn following a march which saw around 25 members in Worcester last Saturday (July 21).
Their attendance provoked a number of counter demonstrations and angry clashes in the heart of Worcester which saw two police officers injured during the skirmishes.
The Labour leader said the EDL caused division, friction and alienation where there was none and thrived on ‘our most basic prejudices’.
“There is no room for them in the faithful city of Worcester. This alone is enough reason to ban them,” he said.
“However, the cost of policing and stewarding and distraction of resources of police and CPSOs which will be required, now we have recent evidence of the disruption and potential violence that can occur, is another reason.
“The city economy is increasingly reliant on tourism and visitors. This is based on it being a safe and attractive place to visit, work and live.
“An event like this and the attached publicity will only drive people away from the city. If they are deterred on this one occasion they will also be deterred in future for fear of recurrences.
“The city economy cannot afford to see disruption and fall in retail and visitor trade.
“Damage to our reputation will directly affect attendance and engagement with a wide range of activities in the city, including sport, retail, hospitality, that we can ill afford
“We have a growing reputation as a place for young people and also being disability friendly, helped enormously by the presence of the University of Worcester.
“People with attitudes which are opposed to minorities of any nature are unwelcome and positively dangerous to our resident population, young and old, regardless of race, creed, gender, sexuality or ability.
“Our city is faithful to the morals and attitudes of this country and opposes discrimination of any sort,” he added.
