Muslim leaders talk to EDL

Imam Abid Salik says in talking with the EDL they found they had many common points of view with both sides condemning violence.

Professor Mohamed M. El-Gomati OBE and Ali Zafar explain why they invited members of the EDL into a mosque in York for tea. They say they wanted members of the far-right group to know that they condemn extremism.

A mosque in York has dealt with a potentially volatile demonstration involving supporters of the English Defence League - by inviting those taking part in the protest in for tea and biscuits.

Officials at the mosque in Bull Lane received a number of messages thought to be from the far-right group which warned of a protest outside the building following the murder of drummer Rigby last week.

However, after members of the group accepted an invitation into the mosque, tensions were rapidly defused.

Picture courtesy of York Press

The Archbishop of York, Doctor John Sentamu has responded after York Mosque invited members of the English Defence League (EDL) in to talk over a cup of tea after receiving threats in the wake of soldier Lee Rigby's death.

Muslim leaders at York Mosque invited members of the English Defence League (EDL) in for talks after receiving threats in the wake of soldier Lee Rigby's death.

Speaking to Daybreak Imam Abib Salik said they had a "good response" from both EDL members and members of the local community.

He said: "What it really symbolises is the fact that many of the supporters said that the views of certain groups like the EDL are not the views of everyone and at the same time we said the actions of certain individuals are not representative of the Muslim community as a whole."