EDL leader Tommy Robinson quits
English Defence League founders Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll are leaving the group, saying it has become too extreme. But anti-racism campaigners say concerns remain over their extremist views.
The counter-extremism think tank Quilliam said that it “facilitated” the departure of the two leaders, and that it is helping Mr “Robinson” move away from the group.
In a statement issued by the organisation, Mr “Robinson”, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said that he would pursue his aims through “democratic” ideas.
The most difficult day of my life! I thank Edl supporters for their messages of support . For me this is a step forwards not backwards
— Tommy Robinson EDL (@EDLTrobinson) October 8, 2013
“I have been considering this move for a long time because I recognise that, though street demonstrations have brought us to this point, they are no longer productive,” he said. “I acknowledge the dangers of far-right extremism and the ongoing need to counter Islamist ideology not with violence but with better, democratic ideas.”
Matthew Collins, of the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, said he was “cautiously optimistic”, but told Channel 4 News that many questions remain: “We’d like clarity as to whether Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll are actually denouncing racism, Islamaphobia and violence – the three key elements of the EDL.”
Steve Hart, chairman of Unite Against Fascism, said Mr Robinson and Mr Carroll were merely making a “tactical retreat”.
“Robinson et al have left a sinking ship,” he said. “However leopards do not change their spots.
“This is only a tactical retreat and just like other European far right leaders Robinson and Carroll will use other methods – possibly through electoral means – to spread their Islamophobic message.
This is only a tactical retreat and just like other European far right leaders Robinson and Carroll will use other methods – possibly through electoral means – to spread their Islamophobic message. Steve Hart, Unite Against Fascism
“As Robinson said himself in a tweet on 2 October ‘The biggest decision I have to make is how to evolve , how to use this voice we have created so it is taken more seriously.’ This about evolution of his brand , not abandoning hate, racism and islamophobia.”
In a press conference, Tommy Robinson told reporters: “I don’t hate Muslims.
“I wanted to lead a revolution against the Islamic revolution, not against Muslims.”
The EDL was founded in response to a demonstration by Muslim extremists as soldiers marched through Luton and it has since become infamous for street protests that often turn violent.
Protests from the far-right group became more prominent earlier this year, following the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich. Hope Not Hate said that there had been a spike in anti-Muslim incidents, including mosque bombings, since EDL supporters started a riot on the night that Drummer Rigby was killed.
Both Mr Robinson and Mr Carroll are due to stand trial on 16 October, accused with taking part in a banned march to Woolwich and obstructing police officers.
Most recently, police arrested 300 people after a protest in Tower Hamlets, east London in July, when the EDL and anti-fascists charged police lines.
http://t.co/StUhFotoR3 hope people listen to my reasons
— Tommy Robinson EDL (@EDLTrobinson) October 8, 2013
‘Britain stands together against extremism’
Quilliam said the move was a huge success for community relations in the UK. Maajid Nawaz, Quilliam Chairman and co-founder, said: “This represents not a change but a continuation for us, as challenging extremism of all kinds forms the basis of our work.
“We have been able to show that Britain stands together against extremism regardless of political views and hope to continue supporting Tommy and Kevin in their journey to counter Islamism and neo-Nazi extremism.”
The think-tank is hosting a press conference for Mr Robinson and Mr Caroll at an “undisclosed location” at 6.30pm.