English Defence League to hold protest in Coventry

Hundreds of people are expected to protest in Coventry today with the English Defence League.

The protest is expected to start at the Litten Tree pub, in Warwick Road, from around midday and the congregation will be led by police to Speakers' Corner.

Road closures will be in place while the demonstration is underway and it is believed to last until no later than 4pm.

The EDL have stated previously that they will be discussing “how this once-proud cathedral city is falling below the national radar while it’s being gutted by its transformation into a Muslim ghetto” during the protest and rally.

A counter protest has also been planned and is due to start in Brodgate at 11.30am.

Chief Superintendent Danny Long, responsible for policing across Coventry, said:

“We know that the English Defence League (EDL) wish to hold a static demonstration in the city centre on Saturday 21 May.

“As part of that work, we have also been speaking regularly to local shopkeepers, residents and community leaders to listen to their views on the proposed events and reassure them that we will be working hard to ensure the day is safe and secure for all those involved.

“As most people know by now, neither the police nor the council have any powers to ban a peaceful assembly or static peaceful protest. Peaceful protest is a sign of a healthy democracy and the force has an active duty to facilitate that right.”