Stay away from Dudley: More than 100 sign 'unity statement' against EDL

Among those who have pledged their support are Dudley North MP Ian Austin and Stourbridge MP Margot James.

Others include The Rev Andrew Wickens from Top Church and Imam Hashmi from Dudley Central Mosque along with Dudley Council leader Pete Lowe.

It comes after Black Country Unite Against Fascism (UAF) announced it was organising a counter demonstration in response to the EDL's planned march on the town centre on Saturday, February 7.

More than 700 supporters of the EDL are expected to show in protest at a new mosque planned by Dudley Muslim Association.

The UAF says its members will assemble in Stone Street Square from 11am, and remain positioned in the town centre until the EDL leaves. It has the support of Dudley Trades Union Council and the Muslim community.

The 'unity statement' says signatories are 'deeply concerned' that the EDL are holding a demonstration in Dudley.

It reads: "The violence and racism displayed at their previous demonstrations in Dudley, as well as elsewhere, is not something that is good for harmony within our town or borough.

"As people who live and work in the Borough of Dudley, we celebrate the peaceful and harmonious relations we enjoy with fellow residents and neighbours from many races and faiths. We continue to affirm that we will not let anyone divide us one from another. We will not let verbal and physical threats from the BNP or EDL prevent us from standing together to proclaim "we are all Dudley."

Unite Against Fascism spokesperson, Tony Barnsley, said: "We call upon the EDL to leave Dudley in peace.

"Dudley does not need their racism nor their violence. This Unity Statement shows that from across different faith communities, politicians and from numerous trade unionists, we are all united in calling for the EDL to stay away

from Dudley."