August 24, 2016 10.21 am This story is over 91 months old

EDL to stage Brexit and immigration protest in Boston

The English Defence League will hold a protest in Boston later this year, calling on the government to begin Brexit negotiations and for immigration to be drastically reduced in the town. The protest will take place in the Lincolnshire town from 1pm on Saturday, October 1. Protesters are set to demand that the government triggers Article…
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The English Defence League will hold a protest in Boston later this year, calling on the government to begin Brexit negotiations and for immigration to be drastically reduced in the town.

The protest will take place in the Lincolnshire town from 1pm on Saturday, October 1.

Protesters are set to demand that the government triggers Article 50 to begin the process of exiting the European Union, and brings and end to what it claims is “rising immigration” in the town.

Paul Whiteside, from the Lincolnshire branch of the EDL, said: “With rising tensions in the town, we believe that bringing in a points system for immigration would stop the flow and the decimation of our towns and cities.”

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “We are currently working with our partners, a range of affected businesses and community group and EDL organisers around a planned demonstration in Boston on October 1.

“The right to hold a peaceful demonstration is a fundamental human right. The details have yet to be confirmed and we are considering all proportionate aspects around this proposal.”

An EDL march in Lincoln was held in July 2015, with the protesters voicing their objections to he construction of the city’s first ever mosque.

Police led the EDL who were singing “no surrender” and “burn the poppy, burn the mosque” from the Blue Anchor pub on Lincoln High Street to the Cornhill.

A similar number from Lincoln Against Racism and Fascism took part in a counter-demonstration, starting their march from by The Strait archway, chanting “When the far right spread their racist lies, we fight back and organise.”