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English ’til I die

The English Defence League (EDL) is a far-right street protest movement which opposes what some believe to be a spread of Islamism, Sharia law and Islamic extremism in England.

England love it or leave it protestor
The EDL uses street marches to protest against Islamic extremism. [GALLO/GETTY]
Published On 31 Oct 2011

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The EDL originated from a group called the "United Peoples of Luton", formed in response to a March 2009 protest against troops returning from the Afghan War, organised by the Islamist group Al-Muhajiroun [EPA]
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The EDL evolved from the football casual subculture and is loosely organised around figures in hooligan firms [GALLO/GETTY]
EDL protestors with flags
A senior member of the EDL is Alan Lake, who has been described as the EDL(***)s chief financier, a claim Lake says is false [GALLO/GETTY]
Pins against fanscism
At many of their gatherings, EDL members have clashed with counter-demonstrators, including supporters of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) [GALLO/GETTY]
The EDL(***)s mission statement includes protecting and promoting human rights and ensuring that the public get a balanced picture of Islam [EPA]
EDL woman with flag of england
Researchers suggest that the EDL is unusual among far-right groups, because it seeks to attract non-white support, but its discourse is seen to be more inclusive and by consequence, more relevant to contemporary Britain’s inherent diversity [GALLO/GETTY]
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EDL protestor with english niqab
The EDL leadership has estimated that the EDL has 100,000 members [GALLO/GETTY]
EDL in the Netherlands in support
The EDL has European ties in the Netherlands, France, Denmark and Sweden, with supporters joining and hosting EDL demonstrators [GALLO/GETTY]
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It is also reported to be developing links with right-wing elements within America [GALLO/GETTY]
Die freiheit party of germany
Far-right organisations and parties have emerged in Europe over the last twenty years and are beginning to get a foothold in mainstream politics [GALLO/GETTY]
Some governments in Europe have embarked on limiting the freedom of their subjects, such as France that decided to ban the niqab [GALLO/GETTY]
Ethnic london
But the EDL(***)s leaders say they are opposed to racism and that the EDL is an "multi-ethnic, multi-religious movement and we are proud of that" [EPA]