Far-right group calls off Walsall anti-Islam march
A far-right group which has been likened to the EDL has called off its anti-Islam demonstration in Walsall amid claims its supporters are dwindling, it has emerged.
The United Patriot group had been planning to stage its demonstration on October 3 and claimed it would be a peaceful protest against the 'growing Islamisation in Walsall town'.
But the post on its Facebook site which advertised the demonstration has now been removed and West Midlands Police has confirmed the protest will no longer go ahead.
It comes a month after the EDL held a demonstration in the town, leading to nine arrests. The Express & Star exposed some participants snorting cocaine and bragging of a plan to cause trouble at a mosque.
Opposition campaigners have blamed the move on a lack of right-wing supporters attending such events.
But the group hit back on Facebook yesterday, refuting the accusations.
A Facebook post signed by Walsall Patriots leader Liam Walsall said: "The numbers planned for our protest had nothing to do with the EDL.
"We didn't hold our demo because the EDL done theirs. Why do two protests?
"We have plans to combat Islamism in Walsall and we will see our plans through. The police work well with United Patriots and we've never had any arrests at events or any kicking off."
We Are Walsall had organised a celebration of community to oppose the EDL march on the same day.
St Matthews Councillor Aftab Nawaz, chairman of We Are Walsall, has welcomed the decision.
He said: "Walsall, like many towns in the Black County, has been targeted by these far right groups in an effort to spread distrust, hate and cause conflict between our peaceful communities.
"In that, they have been unsuccessful and the numbers attending these events are getting smaller and smaller.
"We suspect that the decision to cancel the October demo is because the organisers realised that so few people would turn up.
"According to the police, the recent EDL demonstration only managed to attract 160 people from across the country; whereas our event saw some 250 local people turning out to say No to their message of racism and hate and to make clear that the EDL and their like are not welcome."
The Walsall Patriots organised a memorial service for murdered soldier Lee Rigby at Bloxwich War Memorial in May, which was attended by around 150 people.
The group has been compared to the EDL but leader Liam Walsall has rejected the suggestion.
