Leaflet BN9665 22062012 - sent by Elaine Collingwood on 22 June 2012
On Saturday 14 July, the English Defence League will be holding a demonstration in Bristol. There will be a short march and demonstration which will be confined to Queens Square and the roads in the immediate area.
When the EDL gather in towns or cities in this way, counter-protests also often spring up in response, often under a Unite Against Fascism [UAF] banner. There have sometimes been clashes between EDL and UAF groups (and fringe elements also present) in other parts of the country on such occasions. Various groups and individuals involved in protest or counter-protest will seek to encourage the local community to get involved in the protests. The police will act quickly and robustly to ensure any disorder, violence or crime is dealt with and the offenders brought to justice.
Avon and Somerset Police have been liaising with the event organisers to remind them of their responsibility to ensure the event is a safe and peaceful one. The police do not regulate or organise protests but do work with organisers to facilitate them. In extreme circumstances processions can be banned but this does not include static protests. Experience shows it is better to work with organisers to facilitate the march rather than deal with the consequences of an unregulated event.
A large police operation is being planned to minimise the disruption caused by the march and a significant counter-protest which is expected. Public safety is our priority and there will be an increased police presence in the area of the march and in communities who may feel particularly threatened by the demonstration.
While everyone has the right to peaceful, lawful protest anyone who becomes involved in violence or disorder will be dealt with quickly and robustly. Community leaders are advised to remind people of the risk that some people will seek to exploit faith communities for their own means and that violence plays into the hands of extremists.
The protest itself will take place in a small geographic area and the police, city council and other partners are working hard to encourage protestors to stay at that location. People should not be afraid to go to work, shopping or socialising in Bristol as the disruption will be minimal.
Anyone who has concerns about this event should contact their neighbourhood policing team on 101.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Tel non emergency number:101
If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.
On Saturday 14 July, the English Defence League will be holding a demonstration in Bristol. There will be a short march and demonstration which will be confined to Queens Square and the roads in the immediate area.
When the EDL gather in towns or cities in this way, counter-protests also often spring up in response, often under a Unite Against Fascism [UAF] banner. There have sometimes been clashes between EDL and UAF groups (and fringe elements also present) in other parts of the country on such occasions. Various groups and individuals involved in protest or counter-protest will seek to encourage the local community to get involved in the protests. The police will act quickly and robustly to ensure any disorder, violence or crime is dealt with and the offenders brought to justice.
Avon and Somerset Police have been liaising with the event organisers to remind them of their responsibility to ensure the event is a safe and peaceful one. The police do not regulate or organise protests but do work with organisers to facilitate them. In extreme circumstances processions can be banned but this does not include static protests. Experience shows it is better to work with organisers to facilitate the march rather than deal with the consequences of an unregulated event.
A large police operation is being planned to minimise the disruption caused by the march and a significant counter-protest which is expected. Public safety is our priority and there will be an increased police presence in the area of the march and in communities who may feel particularly threatened by the demonstration.
While everyone has the right to peaceful, lawful protest anyone who becomes involved in violence or disorder will be dealt with quickly and robustly. Community leaders are advised to remind people of the risk that some people will seek to exploit faith communities for their own means and that violence plays into the hands of extremists.
The protest itself will take place in a small geographic area and the police, city council and other partners are working hard to encourage protestors to stay at that location. People should not be afraid to go to work, shopping or socialising in Bristol as the disruption will be minimal.
Anyone who has concerns about this event should contact their neighbourhood policing team on 101.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Tel non emergency number:101
If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.