SIR – In seeking to ban static demonstrations by ‘extremist groups’, Gerry Sutcliffe is displaying a convenient disregard for the history of his own movement.
From its origins in early trade union activism, the Labour movement was regarded as an ‘extremist group’ by the authorities of the day, its members suffering harassment, imprisonment and even transportation.
But over time, they and their nation’s leadership matured into a co-existence which culminated in full and effective Labour Government on occasions.
The same could be said of other, even more aggressive extremist groups, such as Sinn Fein in Ulster, the Stern Gang in Israel and the ANC in South Africa. All those, with their thousands of bloodied hands, were far more violent than the EDL has ever been, yet they all ascended into ‘respectable’ political power despite their origins.
Whether we agree with such as the EDL or not, it is vital to retain the historic freedom to express views openly, including by public demonstration. How this is then protected from any opposing group aiming only creating disturbance becomes merely a management challenge.
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