Robust policing set for Lincoln anti-mosque protest

Lincolnshire Police said it would deal robustly with any troublemakers at the planned anti-mosque protest in Lincoln on Saturday, June 8.

Hundreds of protestors from a group called East Anglian Patriots, possibly an off-shoot of the English Defence League (EDL), are set to gather in Lincoln from 1pm to protest against the mosque set to be built in Lincoln on the former site of the Boultham dairy, along with a supermarket and housing development.

A demonstration calling for “unity against racism” will also take place at the same time at Cornhill Square off Lincoln High Street, where dozens of people are expected to oppose the anti-mosque protest.

John Latham from the City of Lincoln Council said that despite the protest, Lincoln will see business as usual on Saturday.

Residents oppose protest

Boultham Residents’ Association leader Jean Flannery said: “We condemn extremists and agitators of any race or creed.

“This protest will achieve nothing save at best inconvenience, disruption and unfortunately the publicity that this group and others of its ilk crave.

“We will continue to work together to foster mutual understanding and respect, to improve relationships between all citizens of Lincoln; all of us who call this city home.”

Counter-protest

Nick Parker, Secretary of Lincoln & District TUC, said: “Our group is calling for everyone out there who is against racism and division to stand up and be counted on Saturday.

“Services like the NHS rely on the superb abilities of white, black, and Asian workers. Racist poison like the rubbish peddled by groups like the East Anglian Patriots makes it harder to bring people together to defend these services.

“Attacking one group’s democratic right to worship freely is the thin end of the wedge and all those who value our community and our democratic rights should defend them by joining our unity against racism demonstration.”

The Lincolnite will provide live coverage of both demonstrations on Saturday, June 8.