Force operation at EDL demo to impact on local policing as PCC calls on league to `show respect`

An operation to police demonstrations by activists at opposite ends of the political spectrum will hit neighbourhood policing in Britain`s second city, it has been claimed.

West Midlands Police estimates as few as 100 English Defence League (EDL) supporters will be involved in the protest on Saturday (April 8).

The far-right group is planning to muster in one location in the city centre before moving on to a second venue to stage its protest. A counter rally is planned nearby by anti-fascist groups.

But the region’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Jamieson fears the scale of the force`s operation needed on the day will inevitably have an impact on other areas of local policing.

The PCC also called on the EDL to “show respect” as Birmingham had been the home of terrorist Khalid Masood before launching his 82-second `lone wolf` attack on Westminster last month.

It is likely the force will have to spend money on drafting in public order-trained officers from other forces using mutual aid arrangements.

Mr Jamieson said: “We would much rather that this money was spent on something else, but the police have no choice other than to facilitate protests that are peaceful.

“The West Midlands is a diverse area, in which people from different backgrounds and cultures get on and work together well.

“The right to peacefully protest will be protected, but violence will not be tolerated.”

The force revealed in March 2015 that it spent £321,000 on policing just one EDL rally in Dudley. Hundreds of police officers were drafted in from other forces to keep rival protesters from the far-right group and Unite Against Fascism groups apart.

Earlier this week the PCC had urged people to attend a traditional tea party at Birmingham Central Mosque on Saturday to combat the “division and hate” of the EDL.

Mosque chairman Muhammad Afzal said: “We would love the focus of Saturday to be our tea party rather than the protests going on elsewhere.

“Our mosque is open to all and we thought the best response to the demonstrations would be to invite our neighbours round for a cup of tea.”

Mr Jamieson added: “I’d much rather see people at the tea party enjoying themselves with their neighbours. I hope to see as many people there as possible, focussing on what unites rather than divides us.”

A WMP spokesperson said: “As a force we are vastly experienced in accommodating and preparing for such events having run police operations around similar protests in Solihull, Walsall and Dudley – the most recent of which have passed off without incident.

“We have developed professional links with EDL organisers who recognise it is in the group’s best interests to protest and have their say peacefully.

“EDL haven’t been able to confirm the exact number of protestors but we expect there will be fewer than 100.

“Our understanding is that there will be a counter protest in Victoria Square. Ensuring there is no protester crossover, and minimising the risk of any potential flashpoints, is a key element of our event planning.”

The force added: “Trained police negotiators have been in regular contact with both the EDL and counter protesters to identify their intentions and stress the importance members protest peacefully. However, we will have a highly visible police presence on the ground and sufficient police resources on standby should there be any trouble.

“We recognise the impact such protests can have on the city but we have no power to ban a static peaceful protest. In fact, we and the council have a duty to facilitate the fundamental democratic right of peaceful protest.

“We are planning to keep disruption for those who live, work or plan to visit Birmingham on that day to a minimum, while ensuring a safe and peaceful event for all concerned. For us, it’s a case of business as usual.”