Britain First and far right extremists 'sowing hatred' not welcome in Luton, says council

The issue of extremism was part of a presentation at the local authority's annual scrutiny crime and disorder committee meeting last week.

Tensions at the meeting were high following a demonstration in Luton town centre by Britain First on Saturday, February 22, as well as a counter protest by anti-racist campaigners.

Labour South councillor David Agbley said: “Recently we’ve had the far-right Britain First saying 'we’re back in town'. For me, that’s really appalling.

“All we keep hearing is Islamic fundamentalism and nothing about the far-right.

“Please can you tell me what we’re doing in Luton to make sure the far-right, Britain First, don’t feel comfortable to come to the town centre with their flag.”

The council’s Prevent coordinator Sarah Pinnock said that work was needed to challenge the far right's narrative. She added that Britain First's demonstration in Luton town centre is a problem because some people are vulnerable to their messaging.

Chief executive Robin Porter then told the committee that the council does not want Britain First in Luton, before a row broke out with a councillor.

Labour Dallow councillor Abbas Hussain interrupted: “You gave them a platform, last weekend.”

Mr Porter then responded: “Councillor, be careful. Luton Council did not give them a platform. Please take that back.

“They are not a banned organisation. The police will back me up, we don’t want them in our town but we can’t stop them.

“As long as they’re within the freedom of speech laws, we can only go so far.

“Regarding our community, it’s beholden on us all to make sure we speak with one voice. That’s one of the reasons why we’re going to be reinvigorating the Luton in Harmony agenda.”

But Councillor Hussain asked: “Since that incident last weekend, what has Luton Borough Council done in the communities in and around this area?

“I can name two organisations, Hockwell mosque and Luton Central Mosque, who have not been approached by anyone from the council.

“We’re talking about liaising with the communities. How are you doing that?”

Mr Porter replied: “That’s the reason why we’re re-energising Luton in Harmony because we don’t want Britain First in our town.

“We have to work with police colleagues to ensure that we tackle and address people who are sowing hatred, if they step over the legal line."

Labour Lewsey councillor Aslam Khan said: “I would like to remind our colleagues Luton Borough Council, with the police, were the first in the country to get a public space protection order against Britain First.

“They are not allowed to march here. But people are clever. They know the boundaries of law. And they play on it. They came in a flash and went.

“Dialogue is held very regularly with Luton Council of Faiths.”

Britain First are a fascist group formed by former members of the fascist British National Party. Thomas Mair, who was jailed for life for the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016, was reported by eyewitnesses to have shouted “Britain First” as he carried out his fatal attack.

Current Britain First leader Paul Golding recently admitted to physically attacking ex Britain first deputy leader Jayda Fransen, and has recently been convicted of religious harassment in Belfast.

Britain First have also conducted ‘Christian patrols' in Luton and elsewhere aimed at intimidating Muslims. The group also has links to Nazi organisations in Poland.

Following the group's visit to Luton on Saturday, February 22, Stand Up To Racism convenor Weyman Bennett said: “It is a shocking indictment of the atmosphere that has been created... that we have a fascist group like Britain First having the confidence to launch such a racist initiative.

“Here, in the last year, Stand Up To Racism has played an important role in organising mass opposition to the attempts to establish a far right violent street movement.

“We have to oppose every attempt to sow division and hatred by these forces and challenge the ‘hostile environment’ that gives them confidence.”