Waltham Forest
Trades Council
Waltham Forest
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 Photo copyright Guy Smallman
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The racists and fascists of the English Defence League (EDL) were comprehensively routed on Saturday. Thousands of anti-fascists blocked their march route and stopped their rally in Walthamstow.
Only a couple of hundred supporters of the EDL turned out for the "national" demonstration.
When they emerged from Blackhorse Road Tube station they found their planned route barred by local residents and, despite a large police presence, hundreds of protesters blockaded the junction of Hoe Street and Forest Road.
In the end the massively outnumbered EDL were forced to retreat onto the side streets protected by a ring of police. Their attempt to hold a rally in front of the Town hall was frustrated by protesters who had evaded the police attempt to kettle us. Hours later they were herded back to Blackhorse Road where police in riot gear were deployed to shield them from angry residents.Around 2,000 local people had earlier answered the call from "We Are Waltham Forest" to Stop the EDL by gathering at the top of the High Street to hear politicians, trade unionists and representatives of different faiths deliver messages of unity and defiance. Speakers included local MP Stella Creasy, alongside speakers from mosques, trade unions, faith groups and local activists.