OUT OF TOUCH: The anti-Islamic group spreads hate by demonising British Muslims. Credits to Twitter
City has a firm message for Britain First activists
Bradford West MP, Naz Shah, has thanked the city’s residents for their ‘unified response’ after anti-Islam group, Britain First, descended upon the city centre last weekend.
Around 30 activists from the ‘Christian’ right-wing group protested on Saturday 13th February, handing out leaflets to passers-by.
Two people were arrested after two vehicles which belonged to the group were damaged by locals who were angered at the racist ideology that the group promotes.
UNITED CITY: MP Naz Shah says that hate and intolerance is not welcome in Bradford
Britain First leaders said its leaders were ‘attacked’ and later posted photographs on their website showing cars with smashed windows and damaged wing mirrors.
Police reported that two local men, aged 27 and 29 were arrested in connection to the vandalism and will be subsequently bailed pending further investigation.
Ms Shah, said: “Approximately 30 members of Britain First arrived unannounced in Bradford.
“The Police put into action both a text message and phone call system to all the Mosques in Bradford as well as Police officers to each mosque.
“The police kept me fully informed regularly throughout the day.”
As well as a presence in the city centre, Ms Shah confirmed that the group has attempted to visit Westgate Mosque but were asked to leave by the police.
Last year, members of the far-right group left bibles at the same mosque during a visit to the town, and marched inside the place of worship.
Ms Shah continued: “Overall, given the unannounced nature of today's incident, apart from these two arrests, the issue was managed and controlled effectively.
“I thank all those who supported Bradford in our clear message of unity and further extend my sincerest thanks to the people of Bradford for their unified response.
“To Britain First I say this, your message of hate, difference and intolerance is not welcome in our great city of Bradford.
“Bradford is and always will be a united city when faced with the likes of any types of hatred.”
The incident comes after the anti-Islam and anti-immigration group had told IBTimes UK it was planning an ‘unprecedented’ number of events for 2016.
The party's activists target communities with a large Muslim population and carry out ‘Christian Patrols’, handing out anti-Islamic literature while carrying large white religious crosses.
RACIST: Britain First supporters handed out leaflets that contained racist ideologies. Credits to Twitter
INVASION: Britain First members entered ten mosques in Bradford telling people to ‘reject the false prophet Mohammed and read the Bible
A group of uniformed far-right activists who visited ten mosques across Bradford, carrying out a ‘Christian Crusade’ and handing out Army Bibles to Imams, have said that they are not against Muslims.
The representatives of Britain First who were dressed in matching flatcaps and green jackets embossed with the party logo stating "Taking our country back" had filmed themselves randomly talking about ‘Muslim grooming gangs’ and had even told one Muslim man to ‘reject the false prophet Mohammed and read the Bible’.
Led by Paul Golding, a former BNP councilor, during their unprovoked visit to Bradford, they turned up at the doorstep of Bradford Lord Mayor Khadim Hussain’s house demanding to see him on what he was doing to combat child sexual exploitation in the Muslim community. They then accused his daughters of lying when they told the group that he was not home.
CONCERNED: Zulfi Karim, secretary of the Bradford Council of Mosques is fearful the situation could get out of control if agencies don’t step in
Zulfi Karim, secretary of the Bradford Council of Mosques, said the action marked a new wave of right-wing action and was co-ordinated with almost military precision.
Now this week, the actions of the Britain First members have been slammed by Secretary of State for Communities Rt Hon. Eric Pickles MP and MP Stephen Williams - the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, who has responsibility for Community Cohesion.
Though Britain First, an off-shoot of BNP, haven’t broken any laws per se, the unprovoked invasion of several mosques by the group has raised questions as to where the law stands on intimidation.
MP David Ward and Zulfi Karim from the Bradford Council for Mosques led on the talks concerning what immediate actions could be put in place to help alleviate any community concerns and what steps could be implemented to ensure that all local religious institutions can deal with any future attacks.
INVASION: Britain First members entered ten mosques in Bradford telling people to ‘reject the false prophet Mohammed and read the Bible
The Communities Secretary confirmed that he will be speaking to the Home Secretary to try to ascertain what measures needed to be put in place to ensure that the Police can take effective action in the future to prevent such incidences occurring.
Britain First, speaking to the Asian Express, said that they are fuelled by the breakdown of society and failure of politics in Britain.
“We’re a group of people who abhor the effects of binge drinking, mindless racist actions as well as grooming and FGM,” say Britain First spokesperson James Dowson, also considered the founder of the group.
He added: “We believe that even if every single immigrant left this country, this country would still be on it’s knees because of the politicians that have failed us.
“We don’t have anything against the vast majority of law-abiding Muslims but we feel that they are not addressing issues such as grooming which is led by Asian gangs.
“Let me put it this way, I’d prefer a devout Muslim attending his mosque rather than hanging around drinking cans of larger like an EDL member.”
Asked on any further plans to target mosques in other cities, he said: “No but
in hindsight, perhaps we should not have tried to get our message across in this manner, but we are working on opening up an educated dialogue with people.”
HANDED OUT: 100 Bibles were given across the ten-mosque invasion last weekend
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “The reaction of Bradford’s Muslim citizens was a commendable example of British reasonableness. In our country everyone should feel free to worship without fear of harassment or interruption. Freedom of worship is a fundamental and hard-fought British liberty that we should defend.”
Communities Minister Stephen Williams MP said: “These were the deliberate and provocative actions of thugs and we utterly condemn the invasion of any Mosque as disrespectful and hateful. We will support faith organisations and Council of Mosques to take the right security precautions and ensure people in Bradford feel safe.”
Vince Firth
Superintendent Vince Firth
“I fully appreciate the level of concern that exists following the reports relating to the group Britain First and I first want to reassure people that we view this matter very seriously.
"We have a dedicated team of detectives, led by a senior investigating officer, who are making enquiries. They are in close liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service and if any offences have been committed, appropriate action will be taken.
“We are also aware of incorrect social media posts in relation to these allegations in Bradford which suggest that an arrest has taken place, however, at this stage I can confirm our investigations remain ongoing.
“We do not underestimate the impact that such incidents can have on our community and we are fully committed to supporting local people in their places of worship.
“Bradfordians have shown on many occasions how they can come together, rejecting potential threats in a dignified manner. Local people continue to have a big role to play and we ask that whatever is happening, they allow the police and our partners to manage it with the resources at our disposal.
“Following this incident, work was immediately undertaken by local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and statements were offered to the media on Sunday evening.
“We continue to update the public, community leaders, the local Authority and the Council for Mosques as to the current position.
“If you have any concerns, or have witnessed any of these events, please approach your local Neighbourhood Policing Team via the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”
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