Anti-Sharia demonstrations in Leeds and London

Pictured on the newspaper being held up - is Anjem Choudary of Islam4UK - who would have also held a protest today - March4Sharia - which was called off. That's the same Choudary - when he was better known as 'Andy' laughing it up over 6 pints of beer and a girly mag.

Members of the English Defence League demonstrate in Leeds town centre on October 31, 2009 in Leeds, England. The English Defence League (EDL) whose slogan is that they are Peacefully Protesting against militant Islam and claim that 'it is not an act of Fascism to oppose Terrorists and Sharia'.

LONDON - OCTOBER 31: Members of the English Defence League and other pro-English organisations stage a demonstration in Piccadilly Circus on October 31, 2009 in London, England. The EDL describes itself as a 'non-political social movement' and is staging protests in London and Leeds against 'extremist organisations that promote terrorism or those that seek to oppress others whether through religion or politics'.

Here is more help in London - a softly softly approach to dealing with Islamic supremacists - more hands make the load lighter.



United Against Fascism (UAF) strangely absent - in the protest FOR Sharia law!! But go out of their way to target those who are AGAINST Sharia law. UAF is a Leftist organisation. It appears that this time - at least they got the signs right - there was one sign in the video that actually named EDL.



You wonder why it is that the English are out protesting AGAINST Sharia law. There is definitely the sense of a controlling hand - that is aloof - not connected with the people - who seems to feel Sharia law - in a measured amount - would be good for the British people. And there is no sense that the average person - needs to be consulted in anyway. As with other parts of Europe - the push for Sharia is predominately coming from the Left - but then in the UK it is also coming form the church - the Anglican Church - and besides the Queen - the next person to have that much sway over the top clergy - would have to be Prince Charles. Who has already said he wanted to be Defender of Faith(s) - it would seem his distant hand is really behind the push for Sharia. That would explain why there is no sense of reality - connected with Sharia law in relation to how it is practiced throughout the world. This approach to Sharia law in the UK seems to border on fantasy.

More than 2,000 demonstrators gathered in Leeds city centre amid a heavy police presence as a group staged a protest against Islamic extremism.

Police said about 900 English Defence League (EDL) supporters joined the rally in City Square. They were penned in by a ring of officers.

A rival protest of up to 1,500 Unite Against Fascism (UAF) supporters took place nearby in Victoria Gardens.

Five people were arrested for minor public order offences.

The EDL supporters were escorted back to the nearby railway station once the rally ended.

However, about 500 UAF supporters remained under police observation in the Victoria Gardens area.

Hundreds of police officers were brought into the city to act as a barrier between the rival protesters.

Officers feared there could be disorder and urged young Muslims and students to avoid getting involved in any trouble.

BBC

Fears of widespread disorder in Leeds city centre proved unfounded after a huge police presence kept rival demonstrators apart.

Up to 1,000 protesters gathered in Victoria Gardens on Saturday to demonstrate against a protest by far right-wing group the English Defence League (EDL).

Minor scuffles broke out between police and protestors as Unite Against Fascism (UAF) activists tried to reach the EDL supporters at City Square.

But the two groups were kept apart by a large police operation, including hundreds of officers, a dog section, mounted officers and a helicopter.

UAF demonstrators carried placards and banners and shouted "Nazi scum off our streets" and "smash the EDL" during their protest.

At one point, around 300 protestors broke away and ran through the Park Square area in a bid to reach the EDL supporters nearby.

But dozens of officers, including a mounted team, managed to contain the protestors and they were shepherded back to Victoria Gardens.

Over at City Square, EDL supporters were seen surging forward in a bid to run through the entrance but were blocked off by a wall of officers.

This pattern was repeated throughout the protest, where around 300 supporters chanted "EDL", "England" and sang the National Anthem.

Police officers from forces across the UK came to Leeds to control the two protests and keep the rival groups away from each other.

Police made eight arrests for minor offences and there were no reports of any injuries.

Assistant chief constable Mark Gilmore, commander in charge of the policing operation, said: "A great deal of West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council time was invested in planning and negotiations and we believe that investment paid off in the peaceful outcome today."

Yorkshire Evening Post