THE leader of Croydon Council has called for a planned rally by right-wing extremists to be banned. The English Volunteer Force (EVF) plans to protest outside the headquarters of the UK Border Agency (UKBA), in Wellesley Road, on July 27.
The EVF, which claims to fight "the Islamification of Great Britain", has said "all patriots are welcome" and has admitted it is likely to spark counter-protests from anti-fascists.
The move has angered many, with council leader Mike Fisher calling for the rally to be banned, stating: "We do not need this additional tension in Croydon."
Originally it was reported members of the EVF were planning a march from Lunar House to the Croydon Mosque in London Road, Thornton Heath, but the group's leader Jason Lock said the idea had been dropped in favour of a demonstration.
He said the organisation was planning a peaceful protest against the UKBA, which it claims is letting too many immigrants into the country "under the net."
"We are proud of the fact that we have had zero arrests at other demonstrations we have attended and our members are under strict instructions to ensure that continues," he said.
Mr Lock claimed the EVF has no connections with the English Defence League (EDL), which has been involved in violent demonstrations since the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.
He said the EVF has a membership of about 100 and that at least that number would turn up for the demonstration.
But Cllr Fisher said that following the killing of Mr Rigby, tension was high.
He said: "It goes against the grain for me to call for a ban but this is such a sensitive time; it's not appropriate for a demonstration to take place."
Mr Fisher described the demonstration, close to the August 8 two-year riot anniversary, as "deliberately provocative."
But his call for a total ban has not been supported by Shuaib Yusaf, trustee of the Croydon Mosque and Islamic Centre, or Gavin Barwell, Conservative MP for Croydon Central.
Mr Yusaf said the congregation at the mosque were being urged to stay away but added: "We have to respect the right of people like the EVF to stage a demonstration.
"Community relations in Croydon are very good and very robust and are not going to be significantly worsened by a march or demonstration."
Mr Barwell admitted having concerns about the rally, but added: "We live in a democracy and people have the right to protest."
Deputy police commander Supt Rob Atkin is understood to be consulting with community leaders.
