The English Defence League (EDL) has called for a national demonstration in Cambridge, to defend proposals to build more than 300 flats for Anglia Ruskin students close to the site of a planned mosque. 

After a statement released by the Cambridge Mosque Project opposed the plans, on the basis that the accommodation was “unlikely to be the development option most beneficial to local residents or mosque users”, there were calls on the EDL’s Facebook page to demonstrate in Cambridge.

One supporter of the Cambridge branch posted on their Facebook page: “We do not want a super mosque in Cambridge. They are now demanding that students can’t live 
next to the new mosque, what’s next shut down Mill Road? Enough is enough. EDL please demo in Cambridge. We need you.”

However the EDL has since claimed that they wish to engage in dialogue with the Cambridge Mosque Project, stating in a further Facebook post last night: “We are willing to sit down and talk, Not only with them, but with the people who want the New Mosque, we would like are (sic) concerns heard, we already work with people from all faiths, and local people all have issues with this Mosque even if they are not EDL”.

However failing negotiation, they reaffirmed their commitment to protest, ending their post with “We would Rather Talk, But If a Demos what it takes.......(sic)"

Cambridge Unite Against Fascism has promised to match any protest with a counter demonstration of its own. Referring to the EDL’s last demonstration in Cambridge in 2013, a spokesperson said: “The magnificent 1,000-plus counter protest showed the true face of Cambridge – diverse and united. If they do return we will of course do the same again.”