English Defence League

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 24 January 2011.

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Photo of Gavin Shuker Gavin Shuker Labour, Luton South 2:30, 24 January 2011

What recent assessment she has made of the extent of the activities of the English Defence League.

Photo of Theresa May Theresa May Minister for Women and Equalities, The Secretary of State for the Home Department

The Government work with a range of partners to assess the activities of the English Defence League and its impact on communities, in order to inform Government policy on tackling extremism, promoting integration and managing public order challenges.

Photo of Gavin Shuker Gavin Shuker Labour, Luton South

On Saturday 5 February, the English Defence League will rally in Luton, leading to the biggest police operations in Bedfordshire's history. Although there are undoubted concerns about short-term public order offences, does the Home Secretary share my concern and that of many of my constituents about the long-term effects on community cohesion resulting from this extremist group?

Photo of Theresa May Theresa May Minister for Women and Equalities, The Secretary of State for the Home Department

I do indeed share concerns about the EDL, its actions and its impact on communities when it marches. As I understand it, Bedfordshire police are looking very carefully at the policing arrangements for the march in Luton. We should all be aware of the damage that the EDL's divisive message can do to communities.

Photo of Paul Uppal Paul Uppal Conservative, Wolverhampton South West

Can the Home Secretary do anything to address the issue of the internet, which is having the effect of radicalising young people on both sides of the political spectrum?

Photo of Theresa May Theresa May Minister for Women and Equalities, The Secretary of State for the Home Department

My hon. Friend has raised an extremely important issue, to which we need to pay close attention. It is much harder these days-precisely because of the internet-to ensure that young people do not find themselves exposed to these radicalising messages, and we have sadly seen some individuals radicalised by access to it. This is a matter that the Government take very seriously; we are talking with partners about it.