Violent protests erupting nationwide have sparked debate over whether the English Defence League (EDL), now considered defunct, should be banned under UK terrorism laws. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will review if the EDL should be proscribed under UK law. She condemned the “thuggish behaviour” observed after false reports linked the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class to an asylum seeker.
The latest UK protests have seen around 90 arrests, with more clashes anticipated. Questions arise about the EDL’s current status and the possibility of its proscription.
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 4, 2024
Proscription under UK law means an organisation is banned. The Home Secretary can proscribe a group under the Terrorism Act 2000 if it is believed to be involved with terrorism and such action is deemed proportionate. Terrorism under this act involves serious violence or threats aimed at influencing the government or intimidating the public to advance a political, religious, racial, or ideological cause.
The EDL, established in 2009, peaked in 2011. Formed in London, it emerged from football hooligan groups protesting against an Islamist group in Luton. Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), a former BNP member with a criminal record, soon became its leader. The EDL positioned itself on the far right, opposing the notion that Muslims could be truly English and viewing Islam as a threat to European values. It blamed high immigration for a perceived decline in “English culture.”
Despite rejecting biological racism, antisemitism, and homophobia, the EDL’s rallies often featured racist chants. Ivan Humble, a former member, described finding a sense of belonging within the group.
The EDL’s influence waned, mirroring the decline of the BNP. Its prominence surged between 2010 and 2013 but later faltered due to internal conflicts. The group’s links to Norwegian far-right activist Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in 2011, further tarnished its image. By 2013, member attendance at rallies had decreased, although there was a brief uptick following the murder of British Army soldier Lee Rigby. Robinson left the EDL that year, concerned about his inability to control its violent elements.
By 2017, the EDL’s public presence had dwindled, exemplified by a march that only six people attended. Today, anti-racism group Hope Not Hate and Robinson himself consider the EDL non-existent. Robinson tweeted that recent riots were driven by local residents, unrelated to the EDL, which he claimed disbanded over a decade ago. However, the anti-immigration sentiments that fueled the EDL persist.
We stand in solidarity with Southport.
Tonight, Downing Street lights up pink as a mark of respect and solidarity with everyone affected by the tragic incidents which took place earlier this week.#SouthportTogether pic.twitter.com/eaAbv4RzLG
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 2, 2024
Merseyside police reported EDL supporters’ involvement in Southport disorder, where rioters clashed with police outside a mosque. The far right spread misinformation, falsely claiming the 17-year-old suspect in the knife attack was a Muslim immigrant. Labour MP Lewis Atkinson noted that flags bearing references to the North East Infidels, an EDL-offshoot, were seen at the recent clashes. Atkinson stressed the need for police to monitor individuals formerly associated with the EDL.
While the Home Secretary is considering proscription, the defunct status of the EDL raises questions about the effectiveness of such a measure. Government adviser Lord Walney suggested targeting individual ringleaders who incite unrest might be more effective than proscription. If proscription aids in addressing these individuals, it should be considered promptly, despite the complications involved.